The Oyo State Fire Service has reported a total of 246 fire incidents across the state in 2025, rescuing 42 people and recovering 30 bodies during emergency operations, the agency revealed on Thursday.
Dr Maroof Akinwande, Chairman of the agency and Special Adviser on Fire Reform to Governor Seyi Makinde, disclosed the figures in an interview with DAILY POST, providing a detailed breakdown of fire cases and affected properties.
According to Akinwande, residential buildings bore the brunt of the disasters, with 116 homes damaged, while 38 shops, 14 vehicles, and 21 petroleum tankers were also affected. He noted that the agency received 10 false alarms throughout the year, alongside 95 special service calls.
Monthly breakdowns of fire incidents included 29 cases in January, 27 in February, 22 in March, 24 each in April and May, 17 in June, 15 in July, 14 in August, 24 in September, 13 each in October and November, and 21 in December.
Akinwande urged residents to exercise caution and adopt fire safety measures to prevent further incidents. He also highlighted steps taken by the state government to improve response capacity, revealing plans for new equipment.
“The Oyo State government has awarded the purchase of seven brand-new firefighting units, with delivery expected within three to six months. Auxiliary firefighting equipment has been procured, and tyres and batteries for our vehicles have been ordered,” Akinwande said.
He added that media coverage of fire incidents plays a key role in raising public awareness and motivating citizens to prioritize safety, emphasizing that proactive measures remain critical to reducing fire-related risks.
