Innovative Protocols Set to Elevate Fire Protection in Lagos Marketplaces
In the wake of the recent inferno at Lagos Island Market, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has rolled out a comprehensive plan to bolster fire safety measures across markets within the state.
Following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s in-depth evaluation of the incident site, the state fire service was instructed to enhance fire prevention strategies in local markets.
Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, unveiled a multi-faceted strategy to reinforce market safety.
The strategy demands the designation and instruction of Fire Safety Marshals in every market complex, coupled with the provision of fire extinguishers in all retail spaces.
Electrical installations must undergo systematic assessment and upkeep by licensed specialists to avert potential hazards.
Stringent storage protocols and the deployment of fire detection and suppression apparatus will be implemented to curb risks.
The strategy enforces guidelines on generator placement and bans fuel storage within market complexes to prevent incendiary incidents.
Stringent oversight of flammable substances will be observed, necessitating permits for storage. Moreover, a whistleblower system has been introduced to report breaches of safety.
Adeseye underscored the critical nature of these new directives, citing the state’s experience of 11 fire incidents this year within the market vicinity, including five market fires and six shop-related occurrences.
Examination: The newly established fire safety strategy by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service signifies a forward-thinking approach to curbing fire dangers in markets statewide. By appointing Fire Safety Marshals and regulating electrical and fuel storage practices, the strategy aims to forge safer environments for both merchants and patrons. Education and outreach initiatives form integral aspects of the strategy, equipping participants with the acumen and resources to deter fires. These initiatives demonstrate the state government’s dedication to safeguarding life and property within marketplaces.
-7 October 2024