Overnight candle causes fire at Kwara church

Part of a church building in Ilorin, Kwara State, was damaged by fire early Tuesday morning. The blaze occurred in the boys' quarters of the Christ Celestial Church of God, Ife Oluwa, in the Tanke area, affecting four rooms before firefighters brought it under control.

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On Tuesday, 23rd June 2026, at about 06:18hrs, the Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak at Christ Celestial Church of God Ife Oluwa, located opposite UMCA Chapel, along Chapel Secondary School, Tanke Area, Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Kwara State Fire Service reported that the incident began around 06:18hrs. Firefighters were immediately deployed and successfully prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the church and nearby structures. Preliminary investigations indicate that human negligence, specifically an unattended candle, was the cause of the outbreak.

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The incident involved the boys’ quarters of the church premises, where four (4) rooms were affected by the fire.

According to the fire service spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle, the candle was left burning overnight to illuminate one of the rooms. Its flame ignited nearby combustible materials, leading to the fire. Firefighters acted swiftly upon arrival to contain the inferno.

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Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a candle left burning overnight to illuminate one of the rooms. The candle flame ignited nearby combustible materials, which led to the fire outbreak.

Alabi Muhammed, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, issued a warning to the public regarding the use of open flames. He stressed the importance of fire safety precautions, advising residents to avoid leaving naked flames like candles unattended, especially overnight or in enclosed spaces. Muhammed recommended safer alternative lighting sources and urged people to keep combustible materials away from open flames. The fire service reiterated its commitment to public safety through emergency response and fire prevention education.

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Members of the public should avoid leaving naked flames such as candles unattended, especially overnight or in enclosed spaces.