The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has inaugurated Fire Marshal Clubs and organised a safety awareness walk aimed at boosting grassroots participation in fire prevention and emergency response across the state.
The initiative, announced by the Lagos State Government, is designed to strengthen public education on fire safety while improving coordination between communities and emergency agencies.
The awareness walk began at the Service headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, moved through the Ikeja Fire Station, and returned to the starting point, with officials using the exercise to sensitise residents on preventive measures and emergency preparedness.
Speaking during the event, the Controller General, Margaret Adeseye, said recent data showed a slight drop in fire incidents between 2024 and 2025, though risks remain.
“Fire outbreaks may never be completely eliminated, but they can be drastically reduced through collective responsibility, strict adherence to safety practices, and strong community engagement,” she said.
Adeseye described the Fire Marshal system as a globally recognised volunteer-based structure that helps strengthen fire prevention efforts at the local level.
“By establishing Fire Marshal Clubs in markets, business centres and neighbourhoods, we are equipping residents with the knowledge and skills to prevent fires and respond appropriately when emergencies occur,” she added.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Femi Giwa, emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in disaster management. He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus development agenda.
“Trained Fire Marshals will act as critical links between their communities and emergency responders, especially through the proper use of toll-free emergency numbers,” Giwa said.
Fire safety specialist Julius Agbo praised the programme, describing it as a strategic intervention to reduce preventable disasters.
“Research consistently shows that nearly 95 per cent of fire incidents are linked to unsafe human behaviour. Continuous public education is therefore essential,” Agbo noted.
Officials said the launch of the Fire Marshal Clubs represents another step in the state’s efforts to protect lives and property through prevention, partnership and faster emergency response.
