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Multidimensional Evaluation of Fire Risk Management in Informal Retail Markets: A Case Study of Ilorin, Nigeria
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Architecture
Abstract
Fire outbreaks in informal retail markets pose significant threats to life, property, and economic stability, especially in rapidly urbanizing cities of developing nations. This study presents a multidimensional evaluation of fire risk management in selected informal retail markets within Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrated surveys, field observations, and case studies, the research assessed the adequacy of existing fire safety infrastructure, identified likely causes of fire incidents, examined traders' awareness and preparedness levels, and proposed architectural based safety interventions. The findings revealed widespread deficiencies in fire safety provisions, with critical infrastructure such as extinguishers, alarms, fire exits, and escape routes either absent or poorly maintained. Over 80% of respondents lacked awareness of emergency fire procedures, while electrical faults were identified as the predominant cause of market fires. Architectural recommendations including improved electrical installations, use of fire-resistant materials, wider walkways, and designated fire exits were proposed to enhance market safety. The study concludes that effective fire risk mitigation in informal markets requires integrated interventions spanning infrastructure, awareness, architectural design, and regulatory enforcement. The recommendations offer practical solutions for policymakers, architects, market authorities, and urban safety planners in Nigeria and other developing contexts.
Keywords
Fire safety, Fire risk mitigation, Urban planning, Architectural safety design, Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria
How to cite this paper
@article{1709814,
author = {Adeniran Sunday Kayode, Makinde O. O.},
title = {Multidimensional Evaluation of Fire Risk Management in Informal Retail Markets: A Case Study of Ilorin, Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {1320-1328},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709814.pdf},
abstract = {Fire outbreaks in informal retail markets pose significant threats to life, property, and economic stability, especially in rapidly urbanizing cities of developing nations. This study presents a multidimensional evaluation of fire risk management in selected informal retail markets within Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrated surveys, field observations, and case studies, the research assessed the adequacy of existing fire safety infrastructure, identified likely causes of fire incidents, examined traders' awareness and preparedness levels, and proposed architectural based safety interventions. The findings revealed widespread deficiencies in fire safety provisions, with critical infrastructure such as extinguishers, alarms, fire exits, and escape routes either absent or poorly maintained. Over 80% of respondents lacked awareness of emergency fire procedures, while electrical faults were identified as the predominant cause of market fires. Architectural recommendations including improved electrical installations, use of fire-resistant materials, wider walkways, and designated fire exits were proposed to enhance market safety. The study concludes that effective fire risk mitigation in informal markets requires integrated interventions spanning infrastructure, awareness, architectural design, and regulatory enforcement. The recommendations offer practical solutions for policymakers, architects, market authorities, and urban safety planners in Nigeria and other developing contexts.},
keywords = {Fire safety, Fire risk mitigation, Urban planning, Architectural safety design, Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria},
month = {July},
}