Kwara State Fire Service has saved property estimated at N148 million in a fire incident that gutted a Shopping Complex in Ilorin, Kwara State at midnight on Saturday.
The fire incident occurred at Fufu Street, sabo-oke area Ilorin in Ilorin East Local Government area of Kwara State.
According to the State Fire Service, the fire was caused by a power surge in the complex.
The Head of Media and Publicity of Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, who confirmed the incident said, “Today Saturday, 29th July, 2023. about 05:57hrs (05:57 AM) fire gutted a Mini shopping complex of 20 Shops as a result of a power surge.
“This incident took place at Fufu Street, sabo-oke area Ilorin, Ilorin East Local Government Kwara State.
“Upon receiving the distress call from Mr Thomas, the Kwara State Fire Service promptly mobilised its firefighting team to the scene. The firefighters arrived at the location and swiftly initiated firefighting operations to suppress the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further. Through the use of specialised equipment and firefighting techniques, the fire service personnel worked diligently to bring the situation under control.
“One Shop was affected in a mini shopping complex of about twenty Shops. However, the firemen were able to perform excellently well to minimise the direct and indirect damage, therefore other shops in the building including many tangible properties were saved from the scathed fire.
“Total estimated property saved is #148.7 million naira and total estimated property lost is #3.2 million naira,” the statement said.
“Therefore, the Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa urged the citizens to always cultivate the habit of switching off their electrical appliances even before bedtime, as this would help them to prevent the chances of fire outbreaks in their various homes, offices, shops.”
In another development, the state fire service saved 10 Shops at Ile Olola Compound, Essa junction along Olofa way, Offa, in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara from being destroyed by fire on Thursday.
The incident which reportedly started at about 1:35 am involved a building comprising of 4 bedrooms and 10 shops, of which 4 bedrooms and 3 shops were directly affected by the raging fire.
“The firemen at the scene displayed remarkable skill and efficiency, employing their prowess to contain the fire and prevent its spread to adjacent structures. Through their swift response and strategic firefighting maneuvers, they successfully reduced the menace of the fire, safeguarding nearby buildings from further damage.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by a power surge, which ignited the inferno within the building.
“As a result of the prompt action taken by the Fire Crew, the fire’s impact was mitigated, but the building still suffered substantial damage. Out of the 4 bedrooms and 10 shops, 4 bedrooms, and 3 shops were significantly affected, leaving parts of the structure charred and unsafe for occupancy”, the fire service said in a statement.
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