Characterization of Fire Incidences in Lagos Island, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The frequency of fire outbreaks and its attendant negative impacts in Nigeria is perpetually on the increase. In 2018, Lagos State Government declared that property worth N12.8bn was lost to fire tragedies within a period of one calendar year - May 2017 and April 2018. This study therefore investigates the characteristics of fire incidences in Lagos Island, Nigeria. A total of 136 structured questionnaires was administered on household heads covering: socio-economic characteristics of respondents; incidences of fire outbreaks; land use characteristics of fire incidences; time dimension characteristics and causes of fire outbreaks among others. Empirical analysis reveals that: year 2015 had the highest record of fire incidences within the study period; the cause of these incidents also vary from electric surge, inappropriate storage of chemicals and petroleum products spillage among others; 29% of all fire occurrences were mostly in residential buildings; and over 70% of fire incidences occurred during dry seasons. This paper therefore recommends constant and continuous sensitization of the public by government at both state and local levels on the prevention of fire outbreaks among others.

KEYWORDS

Fire, Fire incidences, Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria

Cite this paper

Obe Michael Oluwadara, Olamiju Isaac Oluwadare, Oyinloye Michael Ajide. (2021) Characterization of Fire Incidences in Lagos Island, Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Science, 6, 239-246