Kwara, federal fire agencies combat major fire disaster in Ilorin

Firefighters of the Federal and Kwara fire agencies in Ilorin on Sunday battled a major fire outbreak involving a storey building comprising three-bedroom flats and 10 shops.

Five of the shops were affected by the fire incident, according to the spokesman of the State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, in Ilorin on Sunday.

He said the incident occurred at about 13:36hrs at Ita-Amodu, Niger Junction, Ilorin, Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state capital.

“Among the commodities involved were mattresses and highly combustible sofa materials, due to the materials used in their production, thereby contributing to the intensity and rapid spread of the fire.

“On arrival, the first fire appliance met the fire already fully developed and overwhelming the building. Due to the magnitude of the inferno, a second fire appliance was immediately deployed to reinforce the firefighting operation.”

Adekunle disclosed that the firefighters demonstrated remarkable courage, professionalism and determination, working tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining properties.

“Their concerted efforts successfully brought the fire under control at about 14:05hrs,” he added.

The spokesman said personnel of the Federal Fire Service were also present at the scene and joined the Kwara State Fire Service in the operation.

The collaboration between both agencies contributed significantly to mitigating the impact of the inferno and prevented further escalation.

The cause of the fire, he stated, was still under investigation, and further findings will be communicated when the investigation is concluded.

Chief Fire Officer of the State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, commended the men and officers of both fire agencies for their bravery, resilience and excellent teamwork in containing the ravaging inferno.

Alabi Muhammed particularly applauded the personnel of the State Fire Service for their swift response, effective reinforcement and tireless efforts, noting that their commitment to duty helped prevent the fire from spreading beyond the affected premises.

The State Fire Service urged owners and operators of businesses dealing in highly combustible materials such as mattresses, upholstery and related products to prioritise fire safety measures, maintain adequate spacing between combustible materials, and provide appropriate fire extinguishing equipment within their premises.