The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) has inaugurated the Fire Marshal Club and carried out a Safety Walk to boost community participation in fire prevention and emergency response across the state.
The awareness walk, held recently, commenced from the Service Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, through the Ikeja Fire Station, and back to the Headquarters. The initiative was aimed at sensitising residents on fire safety and encouraging proactive community involvement.
Speaking at the event, the Controller General, Margaret Adeseye, stated that although fire incidents remain a concern in Lagos, there has been a slight reduction in recorded cases between 2024 and 2025. She emphasised that while fire outbreaks may not be completely eradicated, they can be significantly minimised through collective responsibility, strict compliance with safety measures, and active community engagement.
She described the Fire Marshal system as a globally recognised, community-based volunteer structure that strengthens fire prevention efforts. According to her, establishing Fire Marshal Clubs in markets, commercial hubs, and communities across Lagos State will greatly enhance emergency preparedness and response.
Members of the Club will receive adequate training and the necessary knowledge to prevent fire outbreaks and respond appropriately during emergencies.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Mr. Femi Giwa, stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in emergency management in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He noted that trained Fire Marshals will serve as vital links between their communities and emergency responders, especially through the use of designated toll-free emergency numbers.
Fire safety expert and health and safety advocate, Dr. Julius Agbo, commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic support system for the State Government. He highlighted that research shows about 95% of fire incidents and accidents are caused by unsafe human actions, underscoring the need for continuous public education and behavioural change.
The inauguration of the Fire Marshal Club marks another major step in the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through prevention, partnership, and improved emergency response.
