The Federal Capital Territory Fire Service has confirmed that three firefighters sustained varying degrees of injuries while battling Thursday night’s fire outbreak at the AYM Shafa filling station in the Area 3 district of Garki, Abuja.

The agency also disclosed that the inferno damaged parts of the filling station, adjoining buildings and sections of the Federal Inland Revenue Service office.

The update was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of the FCT Fire Service, Ibrahim Muhammad, who said the fire broke out after a fuel tanker loaded with petrol exploded at the filling station.

According to Muhammad, the service received a distress call at about 9:44 p.m. and immediately deployed firefighters and emergency equipment to the scene.

He explained that due to the magnitude of the incident, other fire service authorities joined the operation, resulting in a coordinated inter-agency emergency response.

Three firefighters receiving treatment

Muhammad said three firefighters sustained serious injuries during efforts to contain the blaze.

According to him, one of the injured officers is currently receiving intensive medical care at the Trauma Centre of the National Hospital, Abuja.

He added that the two other firefighters were rushed to Alliance Hospital, Area 11, Garki, where they are also receiving treatment.

The spokesman said medical specialists were making every effort to ensure the recovery of the critically injured firefighter.

He commended the courage, professionalism and dedication displayed by firefighters and other emergency responders throughout the operation.

Investigation ongoing

The FCT Fire Service said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Muhammad urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and await the outcome of the official investigation.

He also appreciated sister emergency agencies, security personnel and members of the public for supporting the firefighting operation.

According to him, the swift and coordinated response prevented what could have resulted in a more devastating disaster.

Fuel tanker, pumps and buildings affected

Muhammad disclosed that preliminary assessment revealed that a fuel tanker carrying about 45,000 litres of petroleum products was engulfed by the fire.

He said the filling station housed 13 fuel dispensing pumps, with three of them directly affected by the inferno.

Two civilian vehicles were completely burnt during the incident.

He added that the fire extended beyond the filling station, affecting parts of the Federal Inland Revenue Service office and sections of Ahmad Plaza, a two-storey commercial building located beside the station.

Emergency responders, however, succeeded in containing the blaze before it spread to other nearby structures.

Fire Service urges compliance with safety regulations

Muhammad urged operators of filling stations, commercial facilities and members of the public to comply strictly with fire safety regulations.

He advised facility owners to carry out regular maintenance of fire protection systems and promptly report fire emergencies through the appropriate emergency channels.

The Director of the FCT Fire Service, Adebayo Zacchaeus, expressed concern over the condition of the injured firefighters and appealed to Nigerians to keep them in their prayers as they continue receiving treatment.

He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through prompt emergency response, public education and strict enforcement of fire safety standards.

The emergency operation was personally supervised by the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel, alongside the Director of the FCT Fire Service and other tactical rescue personnel, who coordinated efforts to bring the fire under control and minimise damage.