Determining Strategic Methods for Post-Fire Disaster Recovery in the Major Markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State

Onuegbu; W. C.; Igbanam; E. S. Kimone O.

doi:10.56201/ijgem.vol.12.no9.2026.pg74.83

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Determining Strategic Methods for Post-Fire Disaster Recovery in the Major Markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State

Onuegbu, W. C., Igbanam, E. S. Kimone O.

Abstract

Fire disasters in major markets constitute a major socio-economic, human, and infrastructural challenge, especially in rapidly expanding urban centres. This study examined fire disaster management practices in five major markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis, with emphasis on the causes, effects, preparedness, emergency response, and recovery measures. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 398 respondents using structured questionnaires, complemented with secondary data. Descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance were employed to analyse the data and test the hypotheses. The findings identified inadequate fire safety equipment (WM = 4.26), careless handling of naked flames (WM = 4.23), poor electrical wiring (WM = 4.22), weak enforcement of safety regulations (WM = 4.20), and poor market planning (WM = 4.18) as the major causes of market fires. The study further revealed that fire disasters result in loss of livelihoods (WM = 4.51), destruction of goods and property (WM = 4.50), increased unemployment (WM = 4.45), and higher prices of goods (WM = 4.43). Respondents also indicated a low level of fire disaster preparedness, with all preparedness indicators recording weighted mean values below 2.32. The ANOVA results showed no significant difference in the level of preparedness across the selected markets (p > 0.05). In addition, emergency response and post-fire recovery facilities were found to be inadequate, with weighted mean values ranging from 2.08 to 2.20. The study concluded that poor fire safety infrastructure, weak regulatory enforcement, and inadequate preparedness have increased the vulnerability of major markets to fire disasters. It therefore recommended stronger enforcement of fire safety regulations, provision of functional firefighting equipment, regular fire safety training and drills, improved emergency response systems, and accessible financial support to strengthen post- disaster recovery.

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Determining Strategic Methods for Post-Fire Disaster Recovery in the Major Markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State

Abstract

References

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