The Oyo State Fire Service has reported a total of 272 fire outbreaks across the state between January and September 2025.

Chairman of the State Fire Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, disclosed this while speaking over the weekend, noting that the agency has enhanced its infrastructure to improve response to emergencies.

Akinwande explained that contrary to the long-held belief that fire outbreaks occur mainly during the dry season, recent trends have shown that incidents now happen throughout the year, including the rainy season.

He commended the media for raising public awareness on fire safety, emphasizing that many people still neglect basic precautions such as owning fire extinguishers.

“Safety does not begin on the day of the incident; it starts from the day a building or facility is constructed,” he said. “Human activities have increased, and we must be more safety-conscious.”

Akinwande listed the monthly breakdown of incidents as follows: 39 in January, 35 in February, 33 in March, 32 in April, 35 in May, 27 in June, 23 in July, 21 in August, and 27 in September.

He added that the service is about 80 percent prepared to handle fire emergencies, assuring that every reported incident in the past nine months received prompt attention.

“People should prioritize their safety, take preventive measures, use appropriate electrical appliances, and ensure proper waste disposal,” Akinwande advised.