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| Photo of Fire Fighters arriving scene Fire Outbreak |
By Oluchi Omai
...Fire service officers in Nigeria are often criticised for arriving late to fire disasters, as seen in Calabar’s Goldie fire outbreak on 11 January 2026, where angry residents chased them away with stones. This recurring problem stems from systemic challenges such as poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and logistical delays. Addressing these issues requires investment in modern equipment, decentralised fire stations, and stronger community engagement.
On Sunday, 11 January 2026, a devastating fire tore through shops and homes along Goldie Street by Bassey Duke in Calabar South. Goods worth over ₦100 million were destroyed, leaving traders and residents in despair. Eyewitnesses reported that the Cross River State Fire Service arrived nearly two hours after the blaze began. By then, locals had already attempted to contain the inferno with buckets of water and improvised tools. The frustration boiled over, and when the firefighters finally appeared, they were met not with gratitude but hostility; stones were hurled at them by an angry mob who accused them of negligence.
This incident is not isolated. Across Nigeria, similar stories abound. In September 2025, the Cross River Fire Service admitted that properties worth ₦928 million had been lost to fire outbreaks within just eight months. In Lagos, residents of Balogun Market have repeatedly lamented late responses during infernos that consumed entire sections of the market. In Kano, traders at Sabon Gari Market recall waiting helplessly as flames spread unchecked before fire trucks eventually arrived, often without sufficient water.
Why Do Firefighters Arrive Late?
Several factors contribute to this troubling pattern:
Poor infrastructure: Many fire stations lack functional trucks, reliable water sources, or modern equipment. Vehicles often break down en route.
Limited funding: Fire services are underfunded, with inadequate budgets for maintenance, training, and expansion.
Centralised stations: Fire stations are often located far from high-risk areas, meaning response times are inevitably long.
Traffic congestion: In cities like Lagos and Calabar, narrow roads and gridlock delay emergency vehicles.
Communication breakdown: Distress calls are sometimes delayed or misdirected due to poor coordination between communities and fire service units.
Public mistrust: Years of perceived inefficiency have eroded trust, leading to hostility when officers eventually arrive.
Human Cost of Delay
Behind every statistic lies human suffering. Traders in Calabar watched their life savings go up in smoke. Families in Lagos lost homes and cherished possessions. The anger directed at firefighters is not simply about lateness; it reflects a deeper sense of abandonment. Communities feel they are left to fend for themselves, improvising with buckets, sand, and prayers while waiting for help that arrives too late.
What Can Be Done?
Solutions must be both systemic and community-driven:
Decentralise fire stations: Establish smaller, strategically located units closer to high-risk markets and residential areas.
Invest in modern equipment: Provide reliable trucks, water tankers, and communication systems.
Improve training: Equip officers with rapid response skills and community engagement strategies.
Community fire brigades: Train local volunteers to act as first responders before official services arrive.
Public awareness campaigns: Educate citizens on fire prevention and safe emergency practices.
Policy reform: Governments must prioritise fire services in budget allocations, recognising them as essential public safety infrastructure.
The Calabar fire outbreak is a painful reminder of the gap between expectation and reality in Nigeria’s emergency response system. Firefighters are not inherently negligent; they are often victims of systemic neglect themselves. Yet communities bear the brunt of the consequences. Bridging this gap requires empathy, investment, and reform. Only then can the sight of a fire truck inspire relief rather than rage.
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