Lagos loses N39.661b to fire

Properties worth N39.616 billion were lost to fire incidents in the last one year while properties worth N139 billion were saved during the same period in Lagos State.
Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Hon. Mohammed-Bello Oyinlomo Danmole, made the revelation at a press conference in Lagos.
Danmole said 2,342 distress calls were received and acted upon.
A breakdown of the figures shows that 1,731 were fire related calls, 102 rescue related calls, 17 were related to collapsed buildings, 458 were false calls while 41 were rescued victims.
He explained that the state government is determined to have functional fire service stations in every local government. “I am pleased to inform you that work on construction of fire service stations at Abesan Housing Estate, Ipaja and Lekki Phase II is about 90 per cent completed,” he said, adding that the stations will be completed and handed over by the end of 2013.
Danmole said the state was able to install inverters at the headquarters of the state fire service to serve as alternative power supply for the servers and enhance internet accessibility, adding that a purchase order for firemen protective apparels such as cork helmet, safety booths and fire protective suits among others to ensure maximum protection for the firemen while on duty.
He said the state government also acquired 118 complete set of breathing apparatus, 11 compressor machines, to enable firemen to work in smoke laden environment where the available air does not support life.
He said the compressor machines will be used to refill used breathing apparatus.
He said the state government in addition procured thermal camera for locating trap victims and detect primary source of fire during fire fighting operations in addition to operation uniforms to enhance the image of the firemen and boost their self-esteem.
Danmole appealed to residents of the state to desist from snatching fire apparatus from fire men when there are fire incidents since they are not trained, adding that firemen try to locate and fight fire from source to hasten the operation.