The Federal Fire Service (FFS)
Fire
safety professionals and the National Association of Seadogs (NAS)
have called on Nigerians to be more conscious of the causes of fire outbreaks,
stressing that prevention remains the most effective strategy against fire
disasters.
The
appeal was made during a fire safety sensitisation campaign organised by NAS in
partnership with the Lagos State Command of the Federal Fire Service at Mile 2
Estate in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The organisers noted that while some fire incidents occur accidentally, many
are caused by negligence, ignorance and failure to observe basic safety
precautions.
Delivering
a lecture on the causes and prevention of fire outbreaks in homes, the
Operations Officer of Festac Fire Station, Mr. Oghene Michael, explained that
fires are classified according to the nature of combustible materials involved
and therefore require different methods of control and extinguishing.
He identified cooking gas, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), furniture, clothing,
curtains and rugs among common combustible and flammable materials found in
homes, warning that such materials can ignite easily under certain conditions.
According
to him, substances in gaseous form are particularly dangerous because of their
low ignition thresholds and ability to spread rapidly.
“Anything with a high flashpoint has a lower risk of ignition when exposed to
heat. It is not the material itself that burns, but the vapour it produces.
That is why substances in a gaseous state are generally more dangerous than
those in liquid or solid forms,” he said.
Michael
advised residents to identify and manage potential ignition sources, including
matchsticks, lighters, faulty electrical connections, defective appliances and
excessive heat.
As part of preventive measures, he urged parents to keep matches and lighters
away from children, regularly inspect cooking gas cylinders and
hoses, and ensure that kitchens and electrical installations are properly
maintained.
He
also encouraged good housekeeping practices, including the disposal of unused
furniture, electrical appliances and other combustible materials that may
obstruct escape routes during emergencies.
In the event of a fire outbreak, he advised occupants to evacuate immediately
and contact the nearest fire service station without delay.
He
cautioned against using water to extinguish fires involving petroleum products
such as petrol, diesel, kerosene and cooking oil, noting that water could
worsen such fires by spreading the burning substance.
Similarly, he warned against using water on electrical fires without first
disconnecting the power source to avoid electrocution.
Michael
explained that Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) fire extinguishers are best
suited for flammable liquid and electrical fires, particularly in kitchens and
locations containing sensitive electronic equipment, as they leave no residue
after use.
He added that Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) extinguishers are effective against
fires involving solid materials, flammable liquids and gases, making them
suitable for homes, garages and other multi-risk environments.
The
fire safety session also featured a practical demonstration by personnel of the
Federal Fire Service, including Festac Station Commander, Oyibode Idowu;
Operations Officer, Oghene Michael; and Drill Officer, Adebayo Sodiku, who
simulated fire outbreak and suppression procedures for residents.
Earlier, the Head of NAS Festac Chapter (Saratoga Deck), Mr. Emeka Achonu, said
the sensitisation programme formed part of the association’s quarterly
community outreach activities for 2026.
He
explained that NAS chapters worldwide regularly organise free advocacy
programmes, health interventions and public enlightenment campaigns aimed at
improving the well-being of communities and promoting human dignity.
As part of the initiative, the association donated firefighting equipment to
the Mile 2 Estate community to strengthen local emergency response
capacity.
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