Examining the Etiology of Fire Incidents in Major Market Places in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Onuegbu; W. C.; Igbanam; E. S.; Emerole; C. R.

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.12no9.2026.pg264.272

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Examining the Etiology of Fire Incidents in Major Market Places in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Onuegbu, W. C., Igbanam, E. S., Emerole, C. R.

Abstract

Fire disasters in major markets pose significant socio-economic, human, and infrastructural challenges, particularly in rapidly urbanizing and growing cities. This study assessed disaster management practices in five major markets within Port Harcourt Metropolis, and focused on the causes, effects, preparedness levels, emergency response, and recovery strategies in the selected markets. The survey research design was adopted, with 398 respondents sampled using structured questionnaires. Data collection were from primary and secondary sources. Data analysis deployed Analysis of Variance to test two hypotheses concerning preparedness and recovery variation perception across markets. Findings indicated that market fires are driven by multiple interrelated factors. This included lack of fire safety equipment (WM = 4.26; 85.4% agreement), careless handling of naked flames (WM = 4.23; 84.2% agreement), poor electrical wiring (WM = 4.22; 83% agreement), congested layouts (WM = 4.18; 82.9% agreement), and weak enforcement of safety regulations (WM = 4.20; 83% agreement). The consequences were identified to be severe, with loss of means of livelihoods (WM = 4.51; 93% agreement), property destruction (WM = 4.50; 92.9% agreement), increased unemployment (WM = 4.45; 91.8% agreement), and inflationary pressures (WM = 4.43; 91.7% agreement) indicating severe economic impacts. Preparedness levels were generally low, with all indicators below 2.32, including knowledge of fire safety equipment (WM = 2.32; 82.4% untrained) and access to emergency numbers (WM = 2.25; 84.9% lacking). ANOVA results confirmed no significant variation in preparedness (p > 0.05). Similarly, emergency response and recovery mechanisms were inadequate (WM between 2.08 and 2.20), including availability of functional extinguishers (WM = 2.15; 88.7% disagreement) and post- fire financial support (WM = 2.08; 90% disagreement). The study concluded that systemic deficiencies in infrastructure, regulation, and preparedness heightened vulnerability Recommendations includes enforcement of fire safety compliance, installation of functional equipment, regular training, affordable insurance schemes, and structured recovery frameworks.

References

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Examining the Etiology of Fire Incidents in Major Market Places in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

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