Scene of the fire incident. Photo: LASEMA
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency says it has commenced an investigation into the fire incident that destroyed a cluster of makeshift residential structures in the Abule Oja area of Yaba area of th state.
The agency, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, noted that no casualties were recorded following a swift response by emergency responders.
Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the fire occurred at 9/10 Abudu Street, Abule Oja, by UNILAG Road, adding that emergency responders were deployed upon receiving the distress call.
Scene of the fire incident. Photo: LASEMA
The response team comprised officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, UNILAG Fire Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and operatives from LASEMA’s Alpha Cobra Base.
Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the coordinated intervention prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings despite the highly combustible nature of the affected structures.
“The fire affected a cluster of residential makeshift structures. Due to the proximity of the buildings and the combustible materials within, the flames spread rapidly on arrival of responders,” the agency stated.
He added that responders successfully saved an adjoining two-storey building while ensuring that no life was lost.
Scene of the fire incident. Photo: LASEMA
“Through the diligence and courage of our emergency personnel, the adjoining two-storey building was successfully salvaged and, most importantly, no loss of life was recorded,” the statement added.
He said damping-down operations were conducted to extinguish any remaining hotspots and prevent a fresh outbreak, while the area had been secured for public safety.
He added that a comprehensive damage assessment was underway and that relevant government agencies had been mobilised to provide relief materials and other humanitarian assistance to affected residents.
He noted that the cause of the fire had yet to be established, adding that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had commenced an investigation in collaboration with other relevant agencies.
The PS commended all emergency responders for their prompt intervention and professionalism and appreciated residents for their cooperation during the operation.
Scene of the fire incident. Photo: LASEMA
He also urged residents to observe fire safety measures by avoiding substandard electrical wiring, preventing the overloading of sockets and ensuring homes and businesses are equipped with basic firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
PUNCH Metro reported on July 19, that 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.
LASEMA spokesperson, Olawale Afolabi, had disclosed that the fire, which affected one of a pair of twin three-storey residential buildings at No. 11, Ademola Taiwo Street, Ketu-Ikosi, was caused by an electrical surge from a prepaid meter.
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