A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning, engulfing four shops in Nkwo Market, Umunze, Anambra State. The blaze, suspected to be caused by a power surge, destroyed goods worth millions of naira, including household items and plastic materials.
This incident adds to the growing concern over frequent fire outbreaks in Anambra State. Just two days prior, Hon. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, the Commissioner for Special Duties, had highlighted the alarming rate of such incidents, with 24 reported within one month alone. Nine occurred in January, and eight in February.
Fortunately, there were no casualties reported in the Umunze market fire.
Dr. Martin Agbili, the State Fire Chief, confirmed that firefighters swiftly responded to the distress call and managed to contain the blaze before it spread further.
However, the affected shops, mainly provision, plastic, and attachments shops, suffered significant losses.
Agbili said, “At about 0120hrs (1.20am) of Wednesday 21-02-2024, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of fire outbreak at Nkwo Market, Umunze.
“Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and gallant firefighters to the fire scene. We fought, controlled and extinguished with the assistance of some traders and the public who came out at that incident time.
“The cause of the fire was unknown but suspected power surge. There was no casualty or lost of life during the fire incident but about four (4) shops were affected, mainly provision shops, plastic shop and attachments shop.
“Always remember to switch off your electrical and electronics appliances when they are not in use to avoid power surge.”