A devastating fire on January 29, 2025, ravaged four shops and a residential apartment on William George Street, off Edgerly Road in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State. While no fatalities were reported, property worth millions of naira was lost as residents struggled to contain the blaze.
Between July 2024 and January 2025, Calabar South LGA has experienced 49 fire incidents, a surge attributed to overcrowding and the proliferation of shanties. The Federal Fire Service’s Cross River Command reported 20 fire incidents in 2024, resulting in two deaths and five injuries, with properties valued at approximately ₦1.1 billion destroyed.
The state’s fire services face significant challenges, including inadequate equipment and manpower. The Federal Fire Service in Cross River operates with only one functional fire engine, limiting its capacity to respond effectively to emergencies.
In response to these challenges, the Cross River State House of Assembly passed the State Fire Service Bill 2024 into law in May 2024. This legislation aims to reposition the State Fire and Rescue Service to meet international standards by addressing issues such as inadequate staff strength and lack of basic firefighting equipment.
The recent fire incidents underscore the urgent need for effective implementation of this law and investment in the state’s firefighting infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.
