Nigeria Lost N5.95billion to Fire Outbreaks in Five Years

The Executive Director, Safety Consultants and Solution Providers Limited, Femi Young has said the country lost over N5.95billion to different fire incidents which ravaged parts of the country from 2012 till date.

Citing statistics from the Federal Fire Service, Young said, in Lagos alone, five major fire incidents led to loss of property valued at several billions of naira just as similar incidents were recorded in other parts of the country.

The statistics also showed that 185 lives were lost in 470 fire incidents in same year with the oil and gas sector recording the highest incidents. Besides, statistics further revealed that private residences recorded 96 fire incidents that claimed eight lives, while 10 lives were saved in the fire incidents in the period under review.

Young who lamented that Nigerians have fatalistic approach to safety issues, said it becomes necessary for Nigerians to understand that they could take their destiny in their own hands.

To stem such incidents, Young has hinted of plans by his organisation to host the maiden West Africa National Fire Protection Association Conference with the theme, ‘Building NFPA Compliant Fire Safety Systems.’

He said the conference will draw leading fire safety experts across the United States of America who would educate Nigerians, especially professionals, on latest developments on safety measures and safety gadgets that prevent hazards, both at the home and the workplace.

Among experts expected is Russell B. Leavitt. Russ is the Executive of Telgian Corporation, an international firm providing fire, life safety.