Two firefighters were hospitalised after collapsing while battling a fire that engulfed the top floor of a three-storey residential building in the Ketu-Ikosi area of Lagos State on Sunday.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said the fire broke out at about 6:31 a.m. at one of two twin residential buildings located on Ademola Taiwo Street, Ketu-Ikosi.
LASEMA spokesperson, Olawale Afolabi, said emergency responders quickly moved in to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the adjoining building and nearby properties.
According to him, “The incident involved one of a pair of twin three-storey residential buildings. Upon the arrival of the Tiger Squad, it was observed that the fire had engulfed the topmost floor of the affected building. Swift and coordinated firefighting operations were immediately commenced to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to the adjoining twin building and other nearby properties.”
Preliminary findings indicated that the fire was triggered by an electrical surge from a prepaid meter installed at the front balcony of the building before spreading to the upper floor.
During efforts to extinguish the blaze, two personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reportedly collapsed.
Afolabi said, “The agency’s Response Team promptly evacuated both officers to the Trauma Centre for immediate medical attention using the agency’s ambulance and a LASEMA Response Team vehicle. Both officers are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition.”
He added that no residents were injured or killed in the incident.
“Fortunately, no loss of life or civilian injuries were recorded in the incident,” Afolabi said.
He explained that dampening-down operations were ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent another outbreak, while recovery efforts were underway to secure the building and assess the extent of the damage.
LASEMA commended the efforts of emergency responders, particularly members of the Tiger Squad and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, for their prompt intervention.
Reacting to the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, urged residents to regularly inspect electrical installations, including prepaid meters and wiring, to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks caused by electrical faults.
He also advised members of the public to remain calm during emergencies and promptly contact the state’s emergency toll-free lines, 112 or 767, for immediate assistance.
