Midnight fire damages two apartments in Kwara

A fire outbreak in Ilorin, Kwara State, damaged two self-contained apartments in a residential building early Saturday morning. The blaze, believed to have been triggered by a power surge, occurred in a building opposite Metropolitan Square off Asa-Dam Road.

The Kwara State Fire Service reported that firefighters arrived swiftly at 2:35 a.m. after receiving a distress call at 2:27 a.m. Their prompt intervention at 2:35 a.m. successfully contained the fire by approximately 2:40 a.m., preventing it from spreading to the remaining six self-contained apartments and an adjoining storey building.

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The agency received a distress call at about 2:27 a.m. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 2:35 a.m. and brought the fire under control by about 2:40 a.m.

Preliminary investigations suggest a power surge ignited combustible materials within the affected apartments. This incident follows a similar fire on July 20, also attributed to a power surge, which affected a 14-room residential building in Ilorin. In that case, firefighters also managed to contain the blaze before it could spread.

Following the incident, the Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, advised residents to enhance electrical safety measures. He recommended installing surge protection devices, using standard electrical fittings, and conducting regular maintenance of electrical wiring to avoid overloading outlets. Muhammed also stressed the importance of immediately alerting the fire service to any fire outbreak, noting that early reporting significantly improves the chances of saving lives and property.

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Residents should install surge protection devices and use only standard electrical fittings in their homes. Property owners should also carry out regular inspections and maintenance of electrical wiring and avoid overloading electrical outlets.