The Kwara State Fire Service said that it saved at least eight rooms and two shops from total destruction in a fire which broke out in Omu-Aran, Irepodun local government area of Kwara State on Sunday.
The fire reportedly broke out at the Ilaro compound, Salami Olokoba House, Omu-Aran and affected a 10-room building and four shops in the early hours of Sunday.
Items in the destroyed shops and rooms were raw foodstuff including cartons of noodles, soft drinks and retailed palm oil as well as household materials such as bedding and furniture.
The state fire service, which confirmed the incident in a statement, said two rooms and two shops were razed in the inferno while eight rooms and two shops were saved.
The head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, stated, “On Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 07:02 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service promptly responded to a distress call reporting a fire at Ilaro Compound, Salami Olokoba House, Omu-Aran, in Irepodun Local Government Area.
“The fire crew swiftly mobilised and arrived to find a 10-room building with four shops engulfed in flames. 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 attributed the fire to a power surge.
In another development, a three-bedroom bungalow at Ile Daudu Ojodu in Oja-Iya area of Ilorin was completely destroyed by fire at about 3.pm on Saturday.
Adekunle said upon receiving the information, a fire truck, along with its crew, was promptly dispatched to the scene adding that “upon arrival, firefighters found a three-bedroom apartment engulfed in flames, with the fire concentrated in the bedrooms.
“Despite the advanced stage of the fire, the gallant crew worked tirelessly to contain and extinguish it, successfully preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings. Unfortunately, all three bedrooms were destroyed due to the delayed emergency call.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by a power surge.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the affected residents of Ile Daudu Ojodu. He prayed for the restoration of their losses and reiterated the importance of taking proactive safety measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The director also urged the public to prioritise safety and remain vigilant to prevent similar incidents.
