A fuel tanker conveying diesel caught fire in the early hours of Friday while offloading its contents at a filling station in Tumfure, Gombe State, triggering fears of a major disaster in the densely commercial area.
The incident occurred at the Rain Oil Filling Station, located close to other fuel outlets and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company depot.
Firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, Gombe State Command, were swiftly deployed to the scene after a distress call was received.
Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the FFS in Gombe, Assistant Superintendent of Fire MB Muazu, said the prompt response of officers prevented the situation from escalating.
“Upon receiving the distress call, our officers were immediately mobilised to the scene. Through timely and professional intervention, the fire was successfully contained, averting a potentially catastrophic situation,” Muazu said.
He explained that the location of the incident posed significant risks due to the presence of nearby filling stations, commercial centres and the NNPC depot.
“The affected area is a highly sensitive commercial environment.
Our swift response prevented a possible chain reaction that could have affected nearby facilities and properties estimated at over ₦500 million,” he added.
Muazu confirmed that no life was lost and that the tanker was prevented from being completely consumed by the fire, describing the outcome as evidence of the Service’s preparedness and commitment to public safety.
He also cautioned operators of petroleum facilities to strictly adhere to safety regulations, especially during the discharge of petroleum products.
“We urge operators of filling stations and petroleum facilities to always observe safety standards to prevent avoidable incidents of this nature,” he said.
The FFS spokesperson commended the Nigeria Police Force, Tumfure Division, and the Department of State Services for providing security support that enabled firefighters to carry out their duties effectively.
Residents of the area have since resumed normal activities after the fire was fully brought under control.
The incident comes days after a deadly tanker explosion along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos on Christmas Day, which claimed two lives, raising renewed concerns over fuel transportation and handling safety across the country.
