8 Safety Checks Every Market Should Conduct To Prevent Fire
Across many parts of Africa, market fires have become disturbingly common. From open stalls to enclosed trading complexes, a single spark has repeatedly wiped out livelihoods built over decades. In Nigeria alone, major markets in cities such as Lagos, Kano, Onitsha and Ibadan have recorded devastating fire outbreaks in recent years, often linked to electrical faults, fuel storage, or poor emergency response systems.
Markets are economic lifelines. They employ thousands of traders and support entire families. Yet many operate without structured safety systems. Fire prevention in these environments cannot be left to chance. It requires deliberate and routine safety checks.
Here are eight critical safety checks every market should conduct to reduce fire risks.
1. Electrical Wiring Inspection
Faulty wiring remains one of the leading causes of market fires. Overloaded sockets, illegal connections, exposed cables and substandard installations significantly increase ignition risk. Market authorities should conduct periodic inspections by certified electricians to detect overheating wires, loose connections and damaged panels. Temporary wiring must be eliminated.
2. Fire Extinguisher Availability And Maintenance
Having fire extinguishers is not enough. They must be functional, accessible and appropriate for the types of materials present. Many markets store textiles, plastics and fuel, which require specific extinguishers. Monthly checks should confirm pressure levels, expiration dates and visibility. Staff and traders must also know how to use them.
3. Clear Emergency Exits And Access Routes
In several African market fire incidents, emergency responders struggled to access the scene because pathways were blocked by goods and extensions. Fire trucks need clear access points. Internally, evacuation routes must remain unobstructed at all times. A blocked exit can turn a manageable incident into a mass casualty event.
4. Safe Storage Of Flammable Materials
Cooking gas cylinders, petrol generators, kerosene and other flammable substances are common in markets. These should be stored in designated, ventilated areas away from electrical sources. Improper storage significantly increases the intensity and spread of fire once ignition occurs.
5. Regular Fire Drills And Safety Training
Many traders do not know what to do when a fire breaks out. Panic often spreads faster than flames. Market associations should organise periodic fire drills and invite local fire services to educate traders on evacuation procedures, extinguisher use and emergency communication protocols.
6. Functional Alarm And Detection Systems
Early detection saves lives. Smoke detectors and alarm systems provide critical minutes for evacuation and containment. Even in open markets, simple alarm systems or whistle based alert systems can significantly improve response time.
7. Generator Safety Checks
Generators are widely used due to unstable power supply in many African countries. Poor placement, fuel leakage and overheating engines are frequent ignition sources. Generators should be positioned away from stalls, placed on stable surfaces and refuelled only when switched off and cooled.
8. Waste Management And Housekeeping
Accumulated waste such as cartons, nylon bags and paper creates fuel for fire spread. Daily waste evacuation and proper disposal reduce combustible load. Good housekeeping is one of the simplest yet most ignored fire prevention measures.
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