The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has said property valued at 1.62 billion naira has been lost to fire between January and October.

Director of the Agency, MARGARET ADESEYE, spoke during a briefing on Fire Evacuation Drill at Alausa, Ikeja.

ADESEYE said the agency received 1,327 fire calls and 154 rescue calls.

She said 9,728 properties was saved from destruction, noting, however, reductions in fire resulted to regular sensitisation by the agency.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Government Relations, GBENGA OYERINDE, warned Lagosians to desist from making false calls to the agency, saying such calls impeded the efficiency of the firefighters. 

Saying one person has been made a scapegoat, he said the ministry would prosecute more people involved in this.

The commissioner also noted police officers are now attached to firefighters to prevent them from being attacked while on duty.