The traditional ruler of the Otumara community in the Lagos Mainland of Lagos State, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye has urged the state government to ensure regular inspections and provision of fire extinguishers by business and property owners in markets to prevent catastrophic damage to properties and loss of life.
The monarch made the remark while reacting to the fire incident that destroyed multi-million naira worth of goods, buildings and warehouses on Lagos Island on Tuesday.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) blamed the cause of the fire on the careless handling of a power generator which was being refuelled by a trader.
However, to avoid a repeat of such catastrophic loss to properties and businesses, the monarch advised the Lagos State government to make the provision of fire extinguishers compulsory requirement for business or property owners in their shops, buildings and other public places.
This, according to him, will serve as a first aid response to combating fire outbreaks before the arrival and intervention of fire and rescue service operators.
He said, “I condole with property and business owners that were victims of Tuesday’s fire disaster. I pray God to restore all that they have lost. These are avoidable situations but the lessons have been learnt.
“The situation could have been saved if there were fire fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers at hand. If there are fire extinguishers in any of the affected buildings, that could have prevented further damage and loss of valuable items.
“Fire extinguishers play a vital role in any fire protection plan in any environment. They are a first aid response to fire and can help prevent catastrophic damage to property and loss of life.
“For instance, some years ago, a fire broke out two buildings away from my hotel. The fire started from the ceiling of the building and there were people shouting and crying for help.
“I was alerted by this and I hurried to the scene with my fire extinguisher with which the fire was put out without much damage.
“This underscores the importance of having fire extinguishers as first aid response to homes and businesses.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly should legislate on this to prevent further damage. Property owners and even traders should provide appropriate firefighting equipment on the business premises.
“Also, the Lagos State government should ensure this measure to save the state and business owners further loss.
“The property owners must ensure that everyone on the premises are protected and can safely escape a fire. And this is possible with the installation of fire extinguishers which is to serve as tools for fighting a small fire.”
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in a statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary in charge of the agency, Femi Oke-Osanyintolu said no casualties, nor injuries were recorded at the incident scene.
Meanwhile, the monarch has also congratulated Muslims across the world, particularly in Nigeria on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan fast.
He wishes them a peaceful and joyous Eid celebration while also praying that God Almighty grant the leadership of the country the desired wisdom and knowledge to pilot the country on the path of progress and prosperity. (Tribune)
