A fire outbreak has destroyed a 10-room building with attached shops in the early hours of Sunday in Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, in a statement, explained that the inferno occurred at Ilaro Compound, Salami Olokaoba House, and was reported at approximately 7:02 am.
Responding swiftly to a distress call, the state fire service deployed a team to the scene.
Upon arrival, the fire crew encountered an intense blaze consuming the structure, which housed residential rooms and commercial shops.
Despite the challenging situation, the firefighters were able to contain the flames and prevent further escalation.
“The fire crew swiftly mobilized and arrived to find a 10-room building with four shops engulfed in flames,” Hassan said. “Undeterred, we acted decisively to contain the blaze and protect surrounding structures. Our efforts successfully saved eight rooms and two shops, limiting damage to two rooms and two shops.”
Preliminary investigations suggested that a power surge was the cause of the fire. While no casualties were reported, the incident left two rooms and two shops completely destroyed, resulting in significant losses for the occupants.
Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, emphasized the importance of vigilance and safety to prevent similar tragedies.
He advised residents to prioritize the maintenance of electrical systems and ensure that appliances are turned off when not in use.
This incident highlights the need for enhanced fire safety awareness and preparedness in residential and commercial areas, particularly as the harm caused by electrical faults continues to be a recurring issue in the region.