Lagos International Fire Safety confab to focus on solutions to incessant fire outbreak

The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations has concluded plans to organise the first Lagos International Fire Safety Conference to address incessant fire outbreak in the state.

The conference which is in collaboration with strategic partners with the theme, ‘Stakeholders Collaboration: A Panacea to Incessant Fire Disasters in Lagos’ is scheduled for the end of this second quarter, 2024.

Recall that on January 10, 2024, Fire gutted the popular 17-storey Mandilas building on Broad Street, Lagos Island and destroyed property worth several millions.

Although no casualty was recorded in the Mandilas building incident, another unfortunate fire incident occurred recently on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, that affected 14 buildings, out of which six buildings collapsed during the intensity of the Fire in Dosumu Market in the same Lagos Island. This makes Fire incident recorded within Lagos markets in 2024 the fifth occurrence, leading to loss of property estimated to be in billions of naira.

In a statement by Olugbenga Oyerinde, commissioner for Special Duties & Intergovernmental Relations, it stated that in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations has been providing the needed materials and logistical supports for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other government agencies to facilitate proactive preparedness and response to Fire and related emergencies in the Centre of Excellence.

“Consequently, the planned three-day Fire Safety Conference will bring together relevant stakeholders in the government and organised private sectors, both formal and informal to collaborate, brainstorm and fashion out ways to mitigate Fire disasters and its devastating consequences on both lives, properties and environments of Lagos.

“The conference will also raise awareness and provide solutions in the area of Fire safety, disaster risk reduction, management and exhibition of advanced technologies. This one-of-its-kind conference is expected to create a more conducive atmosphere for synergy amongst relevant stakeholders to enhance effective Incident Command System (ICS) and optimal service delivery before, during and after emergencies.

“It will focus on the latest trends, research solutions for emerging challenges, and modern technologies transforming the Fire protection, engineering and scientific solutions. It will also provide opportunities to connect with industry experts and players in technical seminars and workshops to earn Professional Development Hours,” Oyerinde said.

Expected at the conference are captains of industry and business CEOs, opinion moulders and decisions maker across Lagos; heads of ministries, departments and agencies of government; occupational safety, health, quality and sustainability managers, supervisors and officers; government contractors and partners; security agencies, emergency responders and of course, members of the first estate of the realms among others.