The Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ololade Agboola, disclosed this in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday.
PUNCH reports that no fewer than 300 shops were destroyed while over 1000 traders lost goods to a fire accident that occurred in the Ladipo plank market, Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos State on November 3.
Many of the shop owners were seen lamenting the extent of the damage caused by the fire which started at midnight Wednesday before being quelled through a combined effort of the officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and men of the Lagos Fire Service.
According to the statement, the sensitisation programme started at markets in Oshodi and will be done across major markets in the state.
The LSFRS in collaboration with the Lagos State Safety Commission, has officially launched the 2023 Fire Prevention Campaign, focusing on raising awareness in public marketplaces under the theme “Mitigating Fire Risk through Fire Prevention.”
The statement read, “Day 1 of the campaign extended its advocacy to Docemo, Oju-Olobun, Jankara, and Cairo Market in Oshodi. This comprehensive effort is set to continue throughout the week, covering major markets across the metropolis.
“Addressing the media, Mr. Lanre Mojola emphasized the pivotal role of market traders in ensuring market safety. He stressed the importance of instilling a safety culture within and around marketplaces, with the aim of positively influencing both traders and customers.
“Adeseye reported that the Fire and Rescue Service has responded to 12 market-related calls this year due to negligence, highlighting the pressing need to sensitize the market populace. This is especially crucial as the Harmattan season approaches, bringing with it an increased risk of fire outbreaks.
“She further urged market dwellers to adhere to safety warnings and promptly report any emergencies to the State’s toll-free numbers 767 or 112. The ongoing sensitization builds upon the simulation exercises initiated a few weeks ago involving public servants and market traders.
“The programme is set to extend to various segments of the public, reaching beyond marketplaces and into grassroots communities,” Agboola said.
