The report on fire outbreaks in Osun in 2023 revealed that the state recorded a total of 70 fire incidents. The property lost to these incidents amounted to N1.45bn. January, May, and December were the months with the highest number of cases, with 13, 12, and 8 fire outbreaks respectively, causing significant property damage.
According to the report, no lives were lost in these incidents, and properties worth 30.9bn were saved from the outbreaks. The spokesman for the fire service, Mr. Adekunle Ibrahim, attributed the majority of the fire outbreaks to citizens’ carelessness, particularly in handling electronics, electrical appliances, and naked fire.
He emphasized the efforts of the fire service in sensitizing and educating residents, market women, religious bodies, banks, and business owners on fire prevention and management. Adekunle mentioned that the agency had intensified fire safety awareness and conducted training sessions on fire safety and prevention methods for hoteliers and others in the state.
Notably, recent fire incidents in Osun included an explosion at a filling station in Lagere, Ile-Ife, in January 2024, and a fire that destroyed goods at Oja Tuntun, the largest market in Ile-Ife, in November 2023.
Adekunle advised residents to unplug electrical appliances when not in use, turn off electricity when leaving home, be cautious of bush burning, particularly during the dry season, and be mindful of activities in the kitchen to prevent domestic fire outbreaks.