The Oyo State Fire Services Agency on Sunday night averted a major disaster after containing a fire outbreak at Papa, Airport Area of Ibadan, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring flats.
The agency said the distress call was received at exactly 8:00 p.m. from a resident, Mrs. Ojo Adewumi, who reported that a residential building in the area had caught fire.
Firefighters, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent Bamidele Samsudeen, were immediately dispatched to the scene.
On arrival, the crew discovered that a private three-bedroom flat was already engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing from the apartment.
The fire threatened other flats within the compound, which housed six additional units and valuable belongings.
The firefighters quickly deployed equipment and water appliances to battle the blaze, successfully containing it and preventing the flames from spreading to adjoining buildings.
No lives were lost, as occupants of the building and surrounding flats evacuated before the fire escalated. However, the affected apartment sustained extensive damage.
Preliminary findings by the agency indicated that the fire was triggered by unattended candles, which ignited nearby combustible materials.
Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, commended the prompt response of the firefighters.
“Our officers responded swiftly to the distress call and were able to confine the fire to the affected flat. Their professionalism prevented what could have turned into a major tragedy,” Akinwande said.
He attributed the cause of the incident to negligence and warned residents against unsafe use of candles and other open flames.
“This unfortunate incident was caused by unattended lighted candles. We urge residents to always place candles on non-flammable surfaces and ensure they are properly extinguished before leaving a room or going to bed,” he added.
Akinwande also advised residents to unplug electrical appliances when not in use and to install fire extinguishers in their homes.
“Every household should have a functional fire extinguisher. Early intervention can stop a small fire from becoming a disaster,” he said.
The agency said firefighting operations were successfully concluded, with all equipment returned to the station by 9:57 p.m., after which personnel resumed standby duty.
It also appreciated the Nigerian Police at the Gbagi Divisional Headquarters for providing security during the operation, while commending Chief Fire Superintendent Adekola for his support at the scene.
The agency urged residents to promptly report fire incidents and provide accurate addresses to ensure a swift response.
