- Another Power Surge Causes Fresh Fire Outbreak In Ilorin
- 10 container shops were affected, while five of them were badly damaged
- Alabi Muhammed stressed the importance of proper electrical installations and regular maintenance by qualified technicians
Two separate fire outbreaks on Monday destroyed parts of containerised shops and a residential building in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Eko Hot Blog reports that both incidents occurred within Ilorin South Local Government Area and were attended to by officials of the Kwara State Fire Service.
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The first fire reportedly broke out around 1:50 a.m. at Gaa Akanbi, where flames engulfed a row of containerised shops.
According to reports, 10 container shops were affected, while five of them were badly damaged before firefighters succeeded in bringing the situation under control.
Preliminary findings showed that the fire was caused by a power surge, which ignited combustible materials stored inside the shops.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle said emergency responders moved swiftly to the scene after receiving a distress call.
Firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby shops and surrounding buildings through coordinated rescue efforts.
Reacting to the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed urged traders and business owners to adopt safer electrical practices.
“Shop owners and residents should ensure the use of standard electrical installations and surge protection devices, especially in business premises prone to unstable electricity supply,” he said.
He also advised residents to switch off electrical appliances when not in use, avoid overloading sockets and keep fire extinguishers nearby to tackle emergencies before they escalate.
In another incident later the same day, a fire broke out around 10:56 a.m. on Ladipo Street, Gaa Akanbi.
The fire affected a twin-flat residential building with four bedrooms on each side, destroying the sitting room of one of the apartments.
Investigations revealed that the second fire was also caused by a power surge linked to the building’s power changeover switch, which ignited nearby combustible materials.
Firefighters were again able to contain the flames before they spread to other parts of the building and neighbouring properties.
Speaking after the incident, Alabi Muhammed stressed the importance of proper electrical installations and regular maintenance by qualified technicians.
“Residents should ensure proper installation and regular maintenance of electrical systems, particularly power changeover switches and electrical panels, by qualified technicians,” he warned.
He further cautioned residents against makeshift electrical connections and encouraged the use of surge protectors and early reporting of fire incidents.
The latest incidents come barely 24 hours after another fire outbreak destroyed parts of a residential building at Tewo-Gbore Street, Ogele Ori-Sunbare in the Eyenkorin area of Asa Local Government Area on Sunday.
The Kwara State Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through rapid emergency response and sustained public awareness campaigns on fire safety.
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