Abstract
This study assessed the exposure of urban neighbourhoods to environmental hazards generally and fire risk in particular in Ibadan. Lagelu, a rapidly urbanizing local government area was selected for the study with emphasis on Lagelu West Local Development Council. Relevant literatures were review in this regards while structured questionnaires were administered on adult residents of 320 households in the selected peri-urban communities. Respondents opinion were obtained as regards the susceptibility of their communities to different environmental hazards. Data was also obtained from the respondents on the causes/sources of fire risk in their respective neighbourhoods as well as adequacy of fire safety apparatus in the communities. Data were measured on 5-Point likert scale of strongly agreed (5) to strongly disagree (1). Response were analysed with basic tools of mean score, relative importance and interpreted based on cut-off point (as devised in Morenikeji, 2006). The causes of fire and adequacy of community fire safety apparatus were analysed in percentages and presented in tables and bar charts. The study showed that there is a general consensus that the communities are highly vulnerable to the environmental risks identified in the study. It was also revealed that fire outbreak is principally caused by human activities, negligence as well as faulty electrical equipment and power surge. Respondents generally are of the opinion that fire safety apparatus available in the communities are grossly inadequate thereby compounding the vulnerability predicament of these communities. The study therefore recommends amongst others, upgrade of the community road network, provision of firefighting system within the neigbhourhood and enlightenment of residents on fire safety precautions.
Highlights
The combined forces of rural-urban migration, interstate migration, industrialization and globalization have put all nations, including Nigeria on the fast lane of urbanization
The number of people living in cities in Nigeria in the last three decades has been increasing by 5.8% per annum with 48.2% of the entire population lives in urban areas
This study location was Ibadan, with mean growth rate of 4.6% per annum between 2010 and2020 [15].Ibadan is divided into eleven local government areas (LGAs), five of which are in the metropolis and the remaining six are either urban proxy or rural habitations [5]
Summary
The combined forces of rural-urban migration, interstate migration, industrialization and globalization (via advancement in information and communication technology) have put all nations, including Nigeria on the fast lane of urbanization. Data on fatal fire outbreaks in Lagos metropolis between 2009 and 2014 were obtained from the Lagos State Fire and Safety Services, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and Ministry of the Environment, Health Monitoring Unit. The study suggested amongst others, the effective and credible monitoring and surveillance system for the distribution of fuel in the country, public enlightenment on fire safety and precaution through print and electronic media, provision of community based fire-fighting gadgets as well as development of plans and strategies to prevent fire outbreaks. The study recommended timely and effective planning that properly decongest the densely populated areas and promote enduring quality environment It further recommended comprehensive regeneration agenda by providing basic amenities supported with enhanced hygiene approaches
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