The Osun State Fire Service has revealed that properties worth N15,308,651,017 were lost to fire incidents across the state between January and December 2024.
According to the service’s annual fire incident report, made available to journalists on Monday in Osogbo, a total of 103 fire outbreaks were recorded, alongside 16 additional non-fire-related emergency calls.
The data highlighted February and December as the months with the highest number of incidents, recording 20 fire outbreaks each.
However, December saw the most severe losses, with properties valued at N12.58 billion destroyed.
May followed with N1.249 billion lost across five fire incidents.
Tragically, seven lives were lost to these fires — one in September and six in December.
Speaking on the report, Mr. Adekunle Ibrahim, spokesperson for the Osun Fire Service, attributed the majority of incidents to carelessness in handling electrical appliances and naked flames.
“The careless ways people handle electronics, electrical appliances, and naked fires are major causes of these outbreaks,” Ibrahim said.
He noted that the fire service has consistently engaged in public sensitization efforts targeting residents, market women, religious bodies, business owners, and banks, emphasizing fire prevention and management strategies.
“We’ve been educating people on handling naked flames, what to do during fire outbreaks, and the importance of properly maintaining electrical appliances,” he stated.
He added that the service has intensified fire safety awareness campaigns, particularly focusing on hoteliers and banks, inspecting their fire safety equipment and offering guidance on fire emergency response.
Ibrahim advised residents to unplug electrical appliances when not in use, turn off electricity when leaving home, and avoid bush burning, especially during the dry season.
“The kitchen remains the most vulnerable spot for domestic fires — people must be extra cautious when handling naked flames while cooking,” he warned.
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