The Lagos State Fire Service reported a total of 1,462 emergencies in the state between January and June.
This was disclosed in a recent statement by the spokesperson, Agboola Ololade.
Out of the emergencies, there were 924 fire incidents, 92 rescue operations, 41 salvage operations, three explosions, two building collapses, and 400 false calls.
The statement further quoted the director of the Fire Service, Margaret Adeseye, who highlighted that the agency successfully preserved properties valued at N87.72 billion during this period.
However, unfortunate disasters resulted in the loss of properties worth N14.62 billion.
“Furthermore, Adeseye disclosed in the mid-year activity report that the agency rescued a total of 177 victims while 42 were recovered suspected dead. The estimated properties saved is about N87.72 billion, leaving the properties lost to N14.62 billion,” said Ololade.
The spokesman also noted there has been an indiscriminate rise in fire incidents during the same period when compared to the previous year.
“Investigations revealed that carelessness and negligence were the major causes of the disaster. She also noted that there was increase in unfavorable calls that keep occurring due to the change of strategy in the attendance to distress calls without double-checking for false calls.
“Other factors include climate change and proliferation of domestic gas usage due to spread in use as alternative fuel, which also contributed to the increase of fire outbreaks,” he said.