Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the creation of four new fire stations, bringing to 15 fire stations across the state equipped to combat fire outbreak.
The state Fire Service Director Rasak Fadipe disclosed this at a walk to commemorate this year’s Fire Fighters Day.
Fadipe, however, solicited support of the public in minimising fire incidents and promotion of swift service delivery.
This, the agency said, would prevent unwanted destruction of lives and property. According to the fire boss, the commemoration was to exhibits the efforts of government to promote a safety culture and imbibe the values of collective responsibility against the one man show syndrome of the past.
Fadipe said: “The directorate in the last two years have re-strategised and adopted an holistic approach to fire safety campaign by reaching out and engaging the youth in its enlightenment safety campaign. This will encourage positive attitudinal behaviour and create community networks, Increase youth involvement; expand their knowledge and ensuring that they know how to report appropriately to the authorities and also educate their families and neighbours to be safety conscious.
“To meet the growing population of the state and enhance accessibility and proximity of the grassroots to fire facilities, additional four new fire stations were established and strategically located across the state to serve the needs of the residence.”
He said the public also have roles to play in combating fire such as instant call to fire service during fire or other related emergencies, giving right of ways to fire fighters officials, sharing necessary or helpful information, clearing off condoned incident scenes as well as rendering necessary assistance.
According to him, factors militating against the swift and effective response of fire fighters to emergency operations include locking of street gates, street urchins’ monetary claims before safety operation, traffic congestion and late notifications.
He appealed to the public to desist from damaging government facilities as lots of tax payers’ money was expended in providing the amenities for the safety use Lagosians.