AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CHALLENGES MITIGATING THE SALVAGING OF FIRE OUTBREAK IN LAGOS STATE

CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the study

Across a long period of time, fire has continually been the cause of loss of life, injury, and destruction of property all over the globe (Rubaratuka, 2021). Fire is the fast oxidation that happens when a substance is subjected to the exothermic chemical process of combustion, which results in the release of heat, light, and a variety of other reactive products (Wahab, 2015). According to Supermedia (2011), there are three primary ways that fires start: the improper use of appliances, the intentional lighting of a fire, and the breakdown of equipment. According to Murali and Vijayalakshmi's (2020) research, the act of burning is what fire is. It is a chemical process that is triggered in the presence of heat energy in which a material interacts with oxygen in the air to release energy in the form of heat, light, and sound. This reaction takes place when a substance is exposed to heat energy (Murali and Vijayalakshmi, 2020). There are many various ways that fire may be started, and it has the potential to be a very devastating force in people's lives (Wahab, 2015; Supermedia, 2021). Over the course of the last few years, there have been several instances of fires breaking out in Nigeria. On the other hand, despite the various efforts that are being made to bring the situation under control, significant difficulties are being faced. insufficient efforts to avoid fires The fire department did not bother to renew any no objection certificates (NOC) since doing so would not have resulted in a significant penalty. There are no follow-ups with the fire department on the upkeep of the sprinklers and fire alarms. The majority of the facilities have not completely met with the appropriate building rules and compartmentation requirements, making it difficult for people to evacuate to safer areas while waiting for rescue. To properly manage the fire safety of a building, it is necessary to identify all of the possible dangers that are connected to the location and to carry out an evaluation of how well the precautions that are in place or that are required can protect against those dangers. According to Buchanan (2021), a risk analysis indicates the proneness to fire outbreak and spread of fire, and as a result, decides what measures need to be taken to provide suitable arrangements for protecting people in the premises from fire. These measures should ensure that the risk of fire occurring is reduced to the absolute minimum, while also ensuring that the risk of fire spreading is minimized. Oladokun and Ishola (2020), developed a risk analysis model in regards to fire risk reduction and found it to be most useful for evaluating the proneness of a commercial building to fire accident. This is much needed for the planning control strategies development by regulatory bodies, insurance companies, estate managements, users of the commercial complex, and other stake holders in arresting the reoccurrence of the unwanted fire disaster. Oladokun and Ishola (2020), developed a risk analysis model in regards. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the challenges mitigating the salvaging of fire outbreak in Lagos State.

1. 1. Statement of the problem

In recent years, fire outbreaks have become a recurrent feature of the metropolitan area of Lagos, leaving in their wake significant repercussions on the lives of people, their livelihoods, and the development of infrastructure. These effects are often related to the negative attitudes as well as views of the inhabitants about the handling of fires (Oladokun and Ishola, 2020). In other cases, the effects are blamed on the insufficiency of resources held by the Lagos state fire department (also known as the local authority in charge of firefighting), which prevented them from effectively putting out fires and mitigating the damage they caused in the event of an outbreak. Hence, this study seeks to assess the challenges mitigating the salvaging of fire outbreak in Lagos State.

1. 1. Objective of the study

The general objective of the study is to assess the challenges mitigating the salvaging of fire outbreak in Lagos State. The specific objective is as follows:

1. To find out the perceived factors responsible for fire outbreak in Lagos State.

2. Determine the implications of fire outbreak in Lagos State.

3. To examine the challenges facing the fire service department in salvaging fire outbreak in Lagos State.

1. 1. Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What are the perceived factors responsible for fire outbreak in Lagos State?

What are the implications of fire outbreak in Lagos State?

What are the challenges facing the fire service department in salvaging fire outbreak in Lagos State?

1. 1. Significance of the study

The study will be significant to the Lagos State government as it will be exposed to the needs of the states fire department and provide the necessary equipment so as for a proactive response to fire incidence

The study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature

1. 1. Scope of the study

The scope of this study borders on the challenges mitigating the salvaging of fire outbreak in Lagos State.

1. 1. Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1. 1. Definition of terms

Challenges: a call to someone to participate in a competitive situation or fight to decide who is superior in terms of ability or strength.

Fire outbreak: a sudden increase of fire.