The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has launched a Fire Marshal Club to strengthen community participation in fire prevention and emergency response across Lagos.
The inauguration was marked by a safety walk in Ikeja, which started from the service headquarters in Alausa, passed through the Ikeja Fire Station and returned through nearby routes. Officials say the walk was aimed at raising awareness about fire safety and emergency preparedness.
Controller General Margaret Adeseye said fire outbreaks remain a concern in Lagos, although there has been a slight drop in incidents between 2024 and 2025.
She explained that while fires cannot be completely eliminated because of multiple risk factors, they can be reduced through shared responsibility, strict compliance with safety regulations and stronger community involvement.
According to Adeseye, the Fire Marshal system is a voluntary, community based initiative recognized worldwide as an effective tool for preventing fires.
“As we inaugurate them, we will provide adequate training and empower them with the knowledge required to prevent fire outbreaks and respond appropriately in emergency situations. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to achieve a significant reduction in fire incidents across the state,” she said.
She added that Fire Marshal Clubs will be set up in markets, commercial centres and neighborhoods across the state to improve readiness and response.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Femi Giwa, stressed the importance of inter agency cooperation in emergency management, in line with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Giwa said trained Fire Marshal Club members will act as a critical bridge between communities and emergency responders, especially through the use of toll free emergency lines for quick reporting.
Health, safety and environment expert Julius Akpong described the initiative as a strategic support system for the state fire service.
He noted that research indicates about 80 percent of fire incidents and accidents are linked to unsafe human behavior, and called for sustained public education and behavioral change.
Officials say the Fire Marshal Club initiative reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through prevention, community partnership and stronger emergency response.
