SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND UTILIZATION OF FIRE SERVICES IN BENIN METROPOLIS, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study examines the spatial distribution and utilization of fire services in BeninCity. The aim of this study is to examine the way fire services are spatially distributed acrosss pace, if they are evenly distributed or sparsely distributed. Are fire services in BeninCity enough to cover and attend to the needs of all the people in Benin City and where the fire services are located can they reach the people on time to avoid casualties; to examine the usefulness and utilization of fire services in Benin City, are fire services efficient in the sense of executing maximum productivity when performing their duties; to examine the efficiency and availability of firefighting equipment in fire services in cases of fire outbreak, are there enough equipment to combat the fire and howuseful are this equipment and to evaluate the causes of fire services in Benin City and howit should be prevented. It will also discuss the challenges faced by fire services and the solution store solve these challenges. A total of 409 questionnaires were administered to respondents and coordinates of fire service stations were also collected for spatial analysis. It was discovered that fire service stations in the study area are clustered. The stations were also affirmed to be understaffed and ill-equipped especially in Ovia North East Local Government Area where there is only one fire service station. It was severally suggested that the government should adequately equip fire stations as this will ensure their optimal operation. Adequate education and sensitization on fire safety was also suggested as an action plan to combat fire hazards in Benin Metropolis.