The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has urged residents to strengthen safety measures as the dry season sets in, after recording 1,324 incidents between January and September 2026.
In a statement on Thursday, Maria Fadairo, senior public affairs officer of the service, said fire calls accounted for 1,135 of the incidents recorded during the nine-month period.
Fadairo said the service also responded to 79 rescue calls, 100 salvage operations, nine collapsed-building incidents and one gas-related explosion.
In its third quarter activity report covering January to September, the service said 210 victims were rescued alive, while 65 suspected fatalities were recovered during emergency operations.
It also recorded 341 false emergency calls, with the service warning that such calls could delay firefighters’ response to genuine emergencies and put lives and property at risk.
Margaret Adeseye, controller-general of the service, said the figures underscores the need for sustained fire-safety awareness, prompt reporting of emergencies and compliance with safety regulations.
Adeseye said residents, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders must take proactive measures to prevent fire outbreaks, particularly during the dry season when fire risks can be heightened.
The service said property worth an estimated N79.44 billion was saved during the period, while losses were estimated at N13.24 billion.
It said January recorded the highest number of incidents at 203, followed by March with 201, while September had the lowest at 94.
March also recorded the highest number of fire calls at 176, followed by January with 173. September had the lowest number of fire calls at 80.
Adeseye advised residents to avoid indiscriminate burning, properly handle and store flammable materials, and switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
She urged residents to avoid overloading electrical sockets, maintain functional fire extinguishers and keep escape routes and access points clear.
The controller-general called for prompt reporting of fire incidents and cooperation with emergency responders at incident scenes.
She reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through emergency response, fire prevention, public enlightenment and enforcement of fire-safety standards.
The service urged residents to treat fire safety as a shared responsibility, stressing that prevention remains the most effective way to reduce the impact of fire emergencies.