Fire guts 14-room residential building in Kwara

A power surge on Monday triggered a fire outbreak in a 14-room residential building in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The fire outbreak occurred at about 2:03 p.m. at No. 40 Elesinla Compound, off Agbo-Oba Road, Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.

According to the spokesman of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, the power surge ignited combustible materials in the affected section of the residential building.

“The incident involved a storey building comprising about 14 rooms, out of which four rooms were affected by the fire.

“Upon arrival, firefighters swiftly commenced firefighting operations and successfully brought the fire under control at about 2:50 p.m., preventing it from spreading to the remaining rooms and adjoining properties.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a power surge, which ignited combustible materials within the affected section of the building,” he added.

The Director of the State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, advised residents to ensure that their buildings are fitted with standard electrical installations and surge protection devices to guard against electrical fluctuations.

He further urged property owners to carry out periodic inspection and maintenance of electrical wiring, avoid overloading electrical sockets, and report fire incidents immediately to the fire service for prompt intervention.

Muhammed reiterated that the State Fire Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through rapid emergency response and sustained public fire safety awareness across the state.