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The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), in partnership with the Lagos State Command of the Federal Fire Service, has called on Nigerians to be more conscious of the triggers of fire incidents, stating that the best way against a fire disaster is to prevent its occurrence.
Speaking at a NAS sensitisation campaign, held in partnership with the Lagos State Command of the Federal Fire Service at the Mile 2 Estate in Amuwo Odofin Local Council Area, they noted that though fire outbreak occurs by accident, more incidents are due to ignorance.
In his lecture on the causes and prevention of fire outbreaks in a home, the Operations Officer, Festac Fire Station, Oghene Michael, classified fire primarily as combustible or flammable, depending on the ignition and nature of the burning materials, stating that likewise, they require a different handling approach.
Stressing the ignition source, he listed fuel sources to include cooking gas, Premium Motor Spirit (or fuel), furniture, cloth/curtains and rugs, among others, as flammable and more dangerous “because they have zero tolerance for heat,” due to their very low flashpoint.
Conversely, he explained that “anything with a high flashpoint has a lower risk of ignition when subjected to heat, as it is not the material but the vapour generated that burns.
“That is why things found in the gaseous state are more dangerous than every other thing in liquid and or solid state, and these two sources must be kept apart in the home, otherwise there will be fire.”
To guard against fire outbreaks in a home, Oghene urged people to be conscious of the potential ignition sources around them, like matchsticks, lighters, faulty electrical connections or appliances and heat.
As part of precautionary measures, he warned that children should not be allowed to play with matches in the cooking apartment; the kitchen and the entire house should be regularly inspected, ensuring that the gas cooker, its hose and everything are intact.
Also, maintain healthy housekeeping by disposing of anything no longer needed, including electrical appliances, furniture and clothes, to free up the space, and ensure that all exit routes are clear of obstruction, “so that when there is fire, they will not prevent anyone from running out.”
Nevertheless, he advised that in the event of a fire outbreak, everyone inside should leave the apartment and not return until the fire is completely put out. The next step is to immediately call the nearest fire service station before the fire escalates, as a distant station will take more time to arrive at the location.
Where the fire can be managed, he warned against using water to extinguish any form of Class A fire like oil, petrol, diesel, kerosene or margarine fire, stating that “water has a higher density than oil and will spread the fire.” Likewise, to avoid electric shock, water must not be used to put out an electrical fire without first switching off the source of power.
Meanwhile, among the fire extinguishers, he explained that Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) fights Class B (flammable liquids) and electrical fires, and is best for kitchens and areas with delicate electronics, as it suffocates the fire and leaves no residue.
On the other hand, Oghene said the Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) fights Class A fire (wood, paper, cloth), Class B (flammable liquids like petrol or kerosene), and Class C (flammable gases), and is best for general living spaces, like bedrooms and garages.
According to him, it is an all-rounder and is perfect for multi-risk environments, though the powder discharge leaves a messy environment, and it can be easily inhaled if used in small, enclosed spaces without ventilation.
The firefighters, comprising the Festac Station Commander, Oyibode Idowu, Oghene, and Drill Officer, Adebayo Sodiku, also carried out a simulated fire outbreak and control for the people.
Earlier, the Head of the NAS Festac Chapter (Saratoga Deck), Achonu, said the public enlightenment on fire was part of the chapter’s quarterly programmes for 2026.
He explained that the chapter, like other 64 decks of NAS worldwide, carries out free seminars and advocacies, including medical outreach, aimed at improving society by helping target beneficiaries to attain basic human dignity.
The chapter also presented firefighting equipment to the community after the event.
