Swift intervention by the Kwara State Fire Service on Monday prevented a major disaster after a fire outbreak engulfed part of a storey building in the Agbo Oba area of Ilorin West Local Government Area.
The fire, which broke out at about 2:03 p.m. at No. 40 Elesinla Compound off Agbo-Oba Road, destroyed four out of 18 rooms in the building before firefighters brought the blaze under control, saving the remaining 14 rooms and nearby properties.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Head of Media and Publicity for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said firefighters responded promptly and contained the fire by 2:50 p.m.
“Upon arrival, firefighters swiftly commenced firefighting operations and successfully brought the fire under control at about 14:50hrs, preventing it from spreading to the remaining rooms and adjoining properties,” Adekunle stated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by a power surge, which ignited combustible materials within the affected section of the building.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Chief Fire Superintendent Alabi Muhammed, urged residents to take preventive measures. He advised that buildings should be fitted with standard electrical installations and surge protection devices to guard against electrical fluctuations.
The director also called on property owners to conduct periodic inspections and maintenance of electrical wiring, avoid overloading sockets, and report fire incidents promptly for swift intervention.
“The Kwara State Fire Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through rapid emergency response and sustained public fire safety awareness across the state,” the statement added.
No casualties were reported in the incident.
