Summary:
A comprehensive review of Oyo State’s 2025 emergency data reveals a mix of tragedy and heroism with 246 fire outbreaks and 42 rescues. Amidst the losses, the state government initiates a major equipment overhaul to combat future threats and enhance service delivery.
The Oyo State Fire Service has released a sobering retrospective of its operations for the year 2025, revealing a challenging period characterized by hundreds of emergency calls and significant property loss. In a detailed disclosure, the agency confirmed that it battled no fewer than 246 fire incidents across the state within the twelve-month period.
A Year in Review: The Statistics
Dr. Maroof Akinwande, the Chairman of the agency and Special Adviser on Fire Reform to Governor Seyi Makinde, provided the breakdown during a media briefing on Thursday. The data paints a picture of a service under pressure, having responded to a total of 353 call-outs, which included fire outbreaks, false alarms, and special rescue services.
The operational analysis indicates a high frequency of disasters during the dry season, with January topping the chart at 29 incidents, followed closely by February with 27 cases. The tragic toll of these disasters resulted in the recovery of 30 bodies. However, the bravery of the firefighters was evident, as emergency response teams successfully rescued 42 individuals alive from life-threatening situations.
Infrastructure and Economic Loss
The economic impact on the state was substantial. The infernos wreaked havoc on residential and commercial sectors alike. The report detailed that:
- 116 residential buildings were affected.
- 38 shops and commercial centers were ravaged.
- 14 vehicles were razed.
- 21 petroleum tankers were involved in fire-related accidents.
Dr. Akinwande also noted a concerning trend of false alarms, with 10 distress calls turning out to be hoaxes, a practice that strains limited resources.
Government Intervention and Fleet Upgrade
Acknowledging the need for a robust response mechanism, the state administration is taking decisive steps to fortify the agency. Dr. Akinwande announced that Governor Makinde has sanctioned a significant upgrade to the service’s arsenal.
“In order to ensure that we perform better, the Oyo State government has awarded the purchase of seven brand new firefighting equipment to a contractor,” Akinwande revealed.
The new fleet, expected to be delivered within three to six months, will be complemented by the procurement of essential maintenance items such as heavy-duty tires and batteries. Furthermore, the government has settled payments for firefighting auxiliaries to ensure high morale and operational readiness.
The Oyo State Fire Service has released a sobering retrospective of its operations for the year 2025, revealing a challenging period characterized by hundreds of emergency calls and significant property loss. In a detailed disclosure, the agency confirmed that it battled no fewer than 246 fire incidents across the state within the twelve-month period.
A Year in Review: The Statistics
Dr. Maroof Akinwande, the Chairman of the agency and Special Adviser on Fire Reform to Governor Seyi Makinde, provided the breakdown during a media briefing on Thursday. The data paints a picture of a service under pressure, having responded to a total of 353 call-outs, which included fire outbreaks, false alarms, and special rescue services.
The operational analysis indicates a high frequency of disasters during the dry season, with January topping the chart at 29 incidents, followed closely by February with 27 cases. The tragic toll of these disasters resulted in the recovery of 30 bodies. However, the bravery of the firefighters was evident, as emergency response teams successfully rescued 42 individuals alive from life-threatening situations.
Infrastructure and Economic Loss
The economic impact on the state was substantial. The infernos wreaked havoc on residential and commercial sectors alike. The report detailed that:
- 116 residential buildings were affected.
- 38 shops and commercial centers were ravaged.
- 14 vehicles were razed.
- 21 petroleum tankers were involved in fire-related accidents.
Dr. Akinwande also noted a concerning trend of false alarms, with 10 distress calls turning out to be hoaxes, a practice that strains limited resources.
Government Intervention and Fleet Upgrade
Acknowledging the need for a robust response mechanism, the state administration is taking decisive steps to fortify the agency. Dr. Akinwande announced that Governor Makinde has sanctioned a significant upgrade to the service’s arsenal.
“In order to ensure that we perform better, the Oyo State government has awarded the purchase of seven brand new firefighting equipment to a contractor,” Akinwande revealed.
The new fleet, expected to be delivered within three to six months, will be complemented by the procurement of essential maintenance items such as heavy-duty tires and batteries. Furthermore, the government has settled payments for firefighting auxiliaries to ensure high morale and operational readiness.