CITIZENS COMPASS —The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in partnership with the Lagos State Safety Commission, has initiated a comprehensive fire safety awareness campaign.
Commencing at the Oko Baba Sawmill in Ebute Meta, the campaign then proceeded to the Amu Timber Plank Market in Mushin, culminating at the Oke-Afa Plank and Building Materials Market in Isolo. Led by Olugbenga Oyerinde, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, alongside Mr. Lanre Mojola, the Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, and Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the campaign aims to educate traders on the importance of fire safety measures.
Addressing the traders, Adeseye emphasized the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to mitigate the risk of fire outbreaks, particularly during the ongoing Harmattan season.
She underscored the devastating impact of negligence, citing approximately 251 fire-related emergency calls received by the Fire and Rescue Service in January alone.
Market dwellers were urged to prioritize safety compliance and foster a collective responsibility towards fire prevention, as fire incidents can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate vicinity. Adeseye reiterated the importance of promptly reporting emergencies to the state’s toll-free numbers, 767 or 112, to facilitate swift response and minimize property damage and loss of life.
The ongoing awareness campaign builds upon recent simulation exercises involving public servants and market traders, demonstrating a proactive approach to community safety. Future outreach initiatives are planned to extend the campaign’s reach to diverse segments of the population, including grassroots communities, to foster a culture of fire safety awareness and preparedness.
