Assessment of Fire Safety Preparedness in Selected Public Markets in Port Harcourt

Fire incidents in public markets present significant risks to life, property, and economic activities. Ensuring adequate fire safety preparedness requires understanding stakeholders’ awareness, the functionality of infrastructure, and the capacity of emergency services to respond effectively. This study assessed fire safety preparedness in selected public markets in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, focusing on awareness, infrastructure adequacy, emergency response capacity, challenges, and strategies for improvement. A descriptive survey research design was employed. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 500 participants actively engaged in the daily operations of three major markets: Mile One, Oil Mill, and Rumuokoro. A total of 500 copies of questionnaire were distributed, with 483 returned and valid for analysis, yielding a response rate of 96.6%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0, employing descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean scores, and grand mean to evaluate respondents’ awareness, infrastructure adequacy, emergency response, challenges, and recommended strategies. Findings revealed that 59% of respondents demonstrated good awareness and preparedness regarding fire safety procedures (grand mean = 3.5), though participation in drills and formal training was low. Fire safety infrastructure and equipment were largely inadequate, with a grand mean of 2.8, and emergency response capacity was rated low (grand mean = 2.8). Key challenges included poor market layouts, blocked access routes, unauthorized electrical connections, inadequate regulatory enforcement, and low compliance with safety measures (grand mean = 3.6). Stakeholders strongly endorsed strategies for improvement, including comprehensive fire safety plans, installation of modern equipment, regular training and drills, improved market layouts, stricter regulation enforcement, and public awareness campaigns (grand mean = 4.6). Although stakeholders exhibited moderate awareness of fire safety, practical preparedness, infrastructure adequacy, and emergency response remain critically deficient. Coordinated interventions are required, including tailored fire safety plans, infrastructure upgrades, regular training, drills, enforcement of regulations, establishment of fire safety committees, and public education to enhance fire safety in Port Harcourt markets.