Fire disaster and infrastructure security problems in urban areas: A case study of Minna, Niger State

Abstract

The world is witnessing an increase in threats to urban security due to high rate of urbanization and the growing complexities of human development activities. Fire disaster, with a devastating effect on human life, property and urban infrastructure, is one of the major threats to urban security in many cities of the world. This paper considers the threat of fire disaster to urban infrastructure in Niger State, Nigeria. Amongst others it was found out that fire outbreaks in the study area are accounted for by careless droppings of combustive materials, careless handling of matches by children, sparks from electric fault and deliberate refuse or bush burning. Fire outbreak due to electric fault in buildings accounted for 79.1 per cent of all cases recorded between year 2000 and 2007. The study also identified poor land use planning, slum development due to ineffective development control and lack of fire protection devices in buildings as major factors contributing to the spread of fire disasters in the area. Amongst others, it recommended effective land use planning and development control, urban renewal programme, creation of fire resistant city, the incorporation of fire safety measures into the building development process, capacity building for the State fire department, citizen education and community participation as means of preventive fire outbreak and mitigating the problems of fire disasters. The institution of these measures will ensure the safety and sustenance of urban infrastructure in the area.