Tackling Fire Outbreaks: Lagos to enforce proper safety measures in markets

The Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has moved to enforce proper safety measures across all markets in the state.

This is as the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has launched an extensive plan to bolster fire safety measures in markets across the state.

This follows a recent fire outbreak at Dosunmu market on Lagos Island and a subsequent on-the-spot assessment by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

This disclosure is contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ololade Agboola, where he stated that under the directive of Governor Sanwo-Olu, relevant government agencies responsible for building control and permits will enforce proper safety protocols.

The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, stated that the proposed measures include the appointment and training of Fire Safety Marshals in all buildings, mandatory provision of fire extinguishers in every shop, inspection and maintenance of electrical wiring by certified professionals, enforcement of proper storage procedures and installation of fire detection and suppression systems.

Others include regulation of generator placement to prevent on-site fuel storage, prohibition of fuel storage within buildings, strict oversight on storage of combustible materials, with permits required and implementation of a whistleblower mechanism for reporting violations.

Adeseye stressed the urgency of these measures, citing 11 fire incidents this year alone in the vicinity, including five market fires and six shop-related incidents.

The statement added that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has actively conducted fire safety campaigns in the market area to educate and empower stakeholders in fire prevention.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed the Ministry of Physical Planning and permit agencies to go after the structures not complying with the building codes and regulations.

According to the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu, “The Physical Planning authorities are going to be having difficult time with me over this incident. When I’m done with them, they will come on the streets. This incident has been happening too often and it is totally unacceptable.

‘’We can’t watch traders endangering the lives of others by putting generating sets on roof top and higher floors of buildings. This is not acceptable in residential buildings.’’