A Decade Analysis of Fire Incidents, Fatalities and Property Losses across Premise Types in Nigeria: Implications for Fire Safety and Risk Management

Abstract

Fire outbreaks continue to cause significant loss of life, property damage, environmental degradation and economic disruption in Nigeria. This study presents a ten-year analysis of the occurrence, severity and distribution of fire incidents across 12 premise types in Nigeria using fire incident records obtained from the Federal Fire Service Headquarters for the period 2016–2025. Temporal trends in fire occurrence, fatalities and property losses, as well as variations across premise categories, were examined. A total of 16,528 fire incidents, 565 deaths and approximately ₦3,426.63 billion in property losses were recorded during the study period. The analysis shows that fire incidents increased from 2016 and reached a peak in 2020, followed by an overall decline with fluctuations through 2025. Private dwellings recorded the highest number of fire incidents (6,121), followed by public buildings/government quarters (3,106). Automobile fires recorded the highest number of fatalities (151), followed by private dwellings (138). Markets recorded the greatest property losses, estimated at approximately ₦3,076.2 billion. These findings demonstrate substantial variation in fire occurrence and severity across premise types and years, with residential, public and commercial premises representing important areas of concern. The study highlights the need for improved fire prevention, stronger safety compliance, effective emergency preparedness, public awareness and targeted allocation of firefighting resources. Such measures can contribute to reducing fire-related fatalities, property losses and the socioeconomic impacts of fire incidents in Nigeria.