Fire incidents have been observed to be a frequent event in Lagos markets. Reports have shown that some of these markets have experienced recurring fire incidents, leading to the loss of millions worth of properties, with some traders recounting their losses and finding it difficult to return to their once-flourishing businesses.
The most recent of these incidents is the fire that gutted the Dosunmu market in Lagos Island on Tuesday, 9th of April. The incident affecting a two-storey building reportedly occurred on Tuesday, and resulted in severe damage to at least 14 buildings in the area, leaving one dead and 8 injured others injured. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) revealed that the cause of the fire was a generator set that was being refueled while still running.
The fire outbreak at Dosunmu market came 24 hours after a similar incident involving a three-storey building at the Balogun market on Monday, 8th April. It was reported that the inferno affected twenty built-up shops, three warehouses, and sixteen attachments, with eighty-six traders affected during the blaze, which lasted several hours.
On March 20, Goods worth millions were destroyed as fire ravaged a 4-storey building in the Lagos market. The 4-storey building used as a residential building and shop for the sale of fabrics was engulfed by fire at about 7:01 AM on Wednesday. According to traders, the fire, which started at No. 47 Dosunmu Street, escalated to four buildings at No. 45, No. 47, No. 49A, and No. 49B at Dosunmu Street, Lagos Island.
Earlier on February 4th, Lagosians witnessed planks worth millions of naira being razed down by fire at the sawmill, located along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, at Awori Bus Stop, Abule Egba, Lagos. The fire broke out at about 3.47 pm at the sawmill occupied on a vast land in the area, destroying planks, and other items, estimated to be worth several millions of naira.
Also, on January 21, a warehouse in Mandilas Building, Broad Street in Lagos Island was razed by fire. According to reports, a warehouse in a 14-storey building was destroyed by fire. The fire which originated from the first floor burnt through the fourth floor with millions of goods reported to have been destroyed.
Way Out Of These Recurring Incidents
Within Nigeria has observed the distressingly common fire incidents in Lagos State and emphasize the need to provide a lasting solution to prevent future occurrences. Most of the incidents have been blamed on electrical surges and poor market structures which make it easy for the fire to spread. However for these incidents to come to be reduced to their lowest minimum, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service must intensify efforts to raise awareness about fire prevention and control measures.
This includes disseminating information on best practices for fire safety and equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to mitigate risks effectively. Additionally, establishing fire mobile stations at strategic points within markets can substantially improve response times for firefighters, enhancing their ability to contain fires before they escalate.
Furthermore, training programs focusing on basic safety procedures should be prioritized by relevant agencies within the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. Providing instruction on administering first aid treatments in the critical moments before medical teams arrive can significantly increase the likelihood of saving lives in emergency situations.