A fire incident has destroyed goods and property worth millions of naira at a plastic manufacturing company along Umuoji Road in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident, which occurred late on Saturday, razed parts of the factory building, damaged production equipment, and consumed several materials used in plastic manufacturing.
No casualty was recorded in the incident, while preliminary findings indicated that the blaze was triggered by welding activities carried out within the premises earlier in the day.
Items affected by the fire included raw materials for plastic production, finished plastic products, chemical drums, sections of the structure, and production machines.
Residents and eyewitnesses around the area said the fire spread rapidly before firefighters arrived at the scene to contain the situation and stop the flames from reaching nearby buildings.
“The fire started from a corner of the complex before thick smoke engulfed a large section of the vicinity. It burnt for several minutes before the arrival of firefighters,” an eyewitness said.
The Head of Media and Publicity for the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, who confirmed the incident, said emergency responders acted promptly after receiving a distress call.
According to him, firefighters deployed to the scene battled the blaze relentlessly until it was eventually brought under control.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Fire Service has successfully contained a fire outbreak at a plastic manufacturing company located along Umuoji Road, Nkpor, in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State.
“The fire service received a distress call at about 1720 hours on Saturday, May 16, 2026, concerning the incident, and gallant firefighters were immediately mobilised to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the firefighting team engaged the blaze with courage and professionalism, battling the fire continuously until it was finally brought under control.
“The fire affected some raw materials used for plastic production, parts of the building, production machines, finished plastic products, and some chemical drums within the premises.
“However, due to the swift intervention of the firefighters, substantial properties and equipment were saved from destruction. Thankfully, no life was lost during the incident.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire outbreak was caused by welding activities carried out within the company premises during the day.”
Chiketa also advised residents and industrial operators to prioritise safety at all times, especially during welding and other heat-related operations, to avoid preventable fire incidents.
“The fire service further commends its officers and men for their bravery, professionalism, and commitment to duty in protecting lives and property.
“The firefighters withdrew from the scene at about 0520 hours on Sunday morning, May 17, 2026,” the statement concluded.
