A residential building in Tewo-Gbore Street, Ogele Ori-Sunbare, Eyenkorin, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Sunday, January 21, 2024. The incident, which occurred at approximately 12:38 a.m., affected a room-and-parlour self-contained apartment and a two-bedroom flat. Firefighters from the Kwara State Fire Service responded swiftly after receiving an emergency call, preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent structures and minimizing further damage.
The Kwara State Fire Service spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday. He noted that the prompt arrival and coordinated efforts of the fire service personnel played a critical role in containing the blaze. According to Adekunle, preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from improperly quenched charcoal stored near the building. The charcoal, which had been recently unloaded, was not fully extinguished, and when exposed to air, the residual heat reignited, triggering the fire that quickly engulfed the residential units.
Adekunle explained that the sacks of charcoal were left in close proximity to the building, creating a dangerous situation. The heat retained in the unquenched charcoal acted as an ignition source, especially in a dry environment, leading to the rapid spread of flames. He emphasized that such incidents are preventable with proper handling and storage of combustible materials.
Alabi Muhammed, Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, issued a public advisory urging charcoal dealers, transporters, and residents to exercise extreme caution when handling and storing materials that can retain heat. He warned against keeping such substances near homes or in densely populated areas. Muhammed stressed the importance of vigilance and encouraged the public to report any fire outbreak immediately to emergency responders to prevent loss of life and property.
The fire service also reaffirmed its commitment to public safety through proactive emergency response and ongoing community sensitization programs. They are working to educate residents on fire prevention, especially concerning common household hazards like improperly stored charcoal. The agency remains on high alert to respond to emergencies across Kwara State.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by careless storage of combustible materials in residential areas. As fire safety awareness grows, communities are expected to adopt safer practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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