Fire Outbreaks Ravage Enugu Timber Market and Dugbe Market

A fire outbreak on Saturday caused extensive damage to the Enugu Timber Market, destroying several shops, timber, wooden products, and heavy machinery. Traders reported seeing thick smoke and rapid flames, resulting in significant financial losses.

Firefighters from the Enugu State Fire Service responded swiftly but faced challenges due to the intensity of the blaze. No casualties have been reported.

The Chairman of the Enugu Timber Association, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwatu, confirmed the incident affected many shops, but the cause of the fire remains unknown. This marks the second major fire at the market in six months, following a similar incident in June that destroyed over 10 shops.

In a separate incident, a fire gutted three shops in Dugbe Market, Ibadan, early Sunday morning. The Oyo State Fire Service reported that the fire, caused by unattended burning of refuse, destroyed goods worth millions of naira but spared 13 nearby shops.

A senior fire officer, Mr. I. A. Adeleke, emphasized the need for residents to avoid indiscriminate burning, particularly during the Harmattan season. He urged traders and residents to take precautions to prevent future incidents.

Another fire disaster occurred on Friday night at the Christ Apostolic Church, Olorunda Aba, during a Christmas Carol service. These recurring fire incidents highlight the importance of fire safety awareness and preventive measures across affected regions.

Here’s the video of the week: