The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, has revealed that more than 80 percent of the fire outbreaks and emergency incidents recorded in Lagos are caused by simple acts of carelessness. She shared this troubling statistic in a statement released on Thursday, as part of efforts to raise awareness ahead of the upcoming 2nd Lagos International Fire Safety Conference, also known as LIFSC 2.0, which will take place in August.
Adeseye emphasised that the goal of the conference is not just to talk about fire safety, but to actively push for change. According to her, the conference serves as a vital platform to educate both individuals and businesses on how best to prevent fires and related emergencies before they happen. She stressed the importance of adopting a proactive approach, noting that preventing a fire is far more effective than trying to extinguish one.
In the statement, which was signed by the Senior Public Affairs Officer of the agency, Maria Fadairo, Adeseye said, “Carelessness accounts for over 80 percent of fire and related emergency incidents in Lagos. LIFSC 2.0 is our platform to drive home the message that the best fire fought is the one prevented. We want to equip residents and business owners with the knowledge and tools to reduce fire risks effectively.”
The three-day event is being organised by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service under the supervision of the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations. The conference will be held under the theme, “Leveraging Technology and Community Engagement to Prevent Fires.”
Fadairo also disclosed that over 2,000 people are expected to participate in this year’s edition. Attendees will include a wide mix of professionals and community members such as emergency responders, safety experts, market leaders, policymakers, and concerned citizens. The aim is to bring everyone to the table and have meaningful conversations about fire safety in everyday life.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is scheduled to deliver the keynote address and officially declare the event open. His presence underscores the significance of the conference and the government’s commitment to making Lagos a safer place for everyone.
LIFSC 2.0 is designed to go beyond the usual speeches and lectures. The programme will feature hands-on workshops, thought-provoking panel sessions, and exhibitions showcasing some of the latest innovations in fire safety and disaster risk management. There will also be live demonstrations of fire suppression systems, and attendees will get to see the latest fire safety equipment up close.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, expressed confidence that the conference will help strengthen the state’s ability to protect lives and property. “This initiative is a cornerstone of our strategy to build a safer Lagos. We are fostering collaboration among stakeholders and empowering communities with the knowledge they need. Together, we are building a more resilient city,” he said.
Adding to that, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Sesan Ogundeko, highlighted the importance of continuity in organising such impactful conferences. According to him, change does not happen overnight, and sustained efforts are required to shift the culture around fire safety.
He recalled the success of the first edition of the conference, LIFSC 1.0, which was held in 2024 and attracted over 1,800 delegates. This year, the organisers hope to deepen the conversation, especially on how communities can take the lead in preventing and responding to fire emergencies.
Ultimately, the upcoming conference seeks to drive lasting change by creating awareness, encouraging personal responsibility, and promoting a culture where everyone plays a role in preventing fire disasters in Lagos and beyond.
Through increased awareness, education, and community-driven collaboration, the conference aims to promote vigilance, preparedness, and resilience, ultimately encouraging life-saving practices across Lagos.
