In a sobering assessment of emergency occurrences within the metropolis, the Lagos State Government has disclosed that fire outbreaks claimed at least 133 lives and destroyed property estimated at N19.72 billion during the 2025 fiscal year.

The latest statistics represent a worrying increase in fatalities compared to the preceding year, 2024, when the state recorded 91 deaths and property losses valued at N19.52 billion. 

The rise in casualty figures comes despite the state government’s significant capital investment in modern firefighting equipment and the adoption of holistic intervention strategies.

These figures were detailed in the 2025 Activity Report presented by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service during its 2026 Staff Engagement held on Tuesday in Alausa, Ikeja. 

The strategic meeting was convened under the theme, “People, Preparedness and Service Delivery: Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.”

A breakdown of the operational data revealed that the agency received a total of 2,617 distress calls within the period under review. Out of these, emergency responders attended to 1,685 confirmed fire incidents. However, the agency expressed concern over the frequency of misleading alerts, noting that it received 645 false calls, which strain operational resources.

On the positive side of the ledger, the swift intervention of fire service personnel resulted in the rescue of 473 victims alive. 

Also, the agency successfully salvaged assets and property estimated at N118.32 billion, preventing what could have been a more catastrophic economic impact on the state’s residents.

In terms of proactive safety measures, the report indicated that the agency intensified its regulatory functions by inspecting 8,791 facilities across the state. Consequently, 7,997 fire safety compliance certificates were issued, while 90 violation reports were served to enforce safety standards.

Addressing the gathering, the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, acknowledged that while the agency has made strides, it continues to grapple with systemic challenges. 

She identified the prevalence of false distress calls and the difficulty in accessing adequate water supply during emergencies as critical hurdles affecting response times.

Adeseye explained that the staff engagement session was designed to reflect on the agency’s operational journey, assess achievements, and reinforce a commitment to service excellence. 

She described the workforce as the agency’s greatest asset and preparedness as the backbone of their operational effectiveness.

The Controller General emphasized that the programme aims to strengthen capacity and enhance professionalism, ensuring that personnel are equipped with the requisite knowledge and attitude to navigate the evolving fire safety challenges inherent in a rapidly growing megacity like Lagos.

Commending the state leadership, Adeseye noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has remained steadfast in its support for public order and safety. 

She highlighted the recent signing of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Bill into law as a historic milestone.

According to her, the new legislation provides a robust institutional framework that will enhance governance and position the Service for greater operational efficiency.

She reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to build a safer, more resilient, and fire-conscious Lagos, pledging that the Service would continue to prioritize prevention and ensure that service delivery remains people-centered and impactful.