Lagos Saves ₦117B Properties, 450 Lives as Fire Cases Drop by 20% in 2024

Lagos State achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, salvaging properties worth ₦117.12 billion and rescuing 450 people from deadly fire incidents, thanks to improved firefighting capacity and public awareness. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The feat represents a 20% reduction in fire emergencies compared to 2023, according to the 2024 Fire Report presented at the second Lagos International Fire Safety Conference (LIFSC), held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

Investment in Technology, Stations, and Training

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attributed the success to continuous investments in modern fire stations, high-tech equipment, and community engagement.

Over the last six years, Lagos has built 25 new fire stations with four more set for completion. In the last two years alone, the State has deployed over 60 standard fire trucks and modern firefighting gear.

Smart innovations such as drones for detecting fire sources in high-rise buildings and an upgraded Command and Control Centre are also helping to cut emergency response time from 15 minutes to between 5 and 7 minutes.

“Our advocacy, communication, and engagement efforts are paying off. Lagosians are now more conscious of hazards that could escalate into disasters,” Sanwo-Olu said.

2024 Fire Report: Key Statistics

Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margret Adeseye, revealed that the agency handled 1,952 emergency calls in 2024, including 1,607 fire incidents, a sharp drop from over 2,500 calls in 2023.

Other highlights include:

• 7,870 facility inspections for fire risk assessment

• 7,039 fire certificates issued to businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, hotels, restaurants, and other institutions

• 91 fatalities recorded from fire outbreaks

• ₦19.5 billion in property losses despite rescue efforts

Fire Safety as a Shared Responsibility

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, emphasized that fire safety is a collective responsibility, requiring cooperation from residents, communities, and the private sector.

With increased public awareness and rapid response systems, Lagos aims to further reduce casualties and property losses in the coming years.