The Oyo State Fire Service has revealed that a total of 246 fire incidents were recorded across the state in 2025, underscoring the growing need for heightened public safety awareness and improved emergency response infrastructure.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service and Special Adviser on Fire Reform to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Maroof Akinwande, disclosed this in an interview in Ibadan.
He provided a detailed account of the agency’s operations over the year, highlighting both the challenges encountered and the progress recorded.
According to Akinwande, firefighters rescued 42 people from various emergency situations during the year, while 30 bodies were recovered from fire scenes. He also revealed that the agency received 10 false emergency calls from residents, a situation he described as distracting and potentially dangerous, as it diverts resources from genuine emergencies.
A month-by-month breakdown showed that January recorded the highest number of incidents with 29 cases, followed by February with 27 and March with 22. April and May each recorded 24 incidents, while June had 17. In the second half of the year, July recorded 15 cases, August 14, September 24, October and November 13 each, while December closed the year with 21 incidents.
In terms of property damage, Akinwande disclosed that 116 residential buildings were affected by fire outbreaks in 2025, while 38 shops were razed. He added that 14 vehicles were destroyed, alongside 21 petroleum tankers, incidents that posed serious risks to lives and the environment.
Overall, the Fire Service attended to 353 operations during the year, including 95 special services beyond conventional fire outbreaks. Akinwande stressed that the figures highlight the critical role of the agency in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
He commended the media for consistently reporting the activities of the Fire Service, noting that public awareness plays a vital role in promoting safety consciousness among residents. “It is to show people that these things are happening and people must be aware. It will help to motivate people to be safety conscious,” he said.
Akinwande also assured residents that the Oyo State Government is taking concrete steps to strengthen the Fire Service. According to him, Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the procurement of seven brand new firefighting trucks, expected to be delivered within the next three to six months.
He said the government has paid firefighting auxiliaries and approved the purchase of new tyres and batteries to improve the operational efficiency of existing vehicles.
He urged residents to take necessary precautions to prevent fire outbreaks, emphasising that prevention remains the most effective strategy in reducing fire-related losses in the state.
