Firefighters avert major disaster in Kwara

Firefighters from the Kwara State Fire Service on Thursday saved a petrol filling station from a major fire disaster in Ilorin, the state capital.

At about 20:03 hours, fire gutted eight shops adjacent to the Real Gold petrol filling station at Oki-Ogbo, Kongbari Street in Abayawo area of Ilorin, but the swift response of the firefighters saved what could have resulted in a major disaster in the area.

Spokesman of the fire service, Hassan Adekunle, in Ilorin on Friday, said, “Upon arrival, firefighters found eight shops engulfed in flames. Despite the severity of the blaze, the courageous firefighters valiantly battled the inferno, gaining control by 8:34 hours and extinguishing it thereafter. Regrettably, all eight shops suffered extensive damage.

“Notably, the quick response of the Kwara State Fire Service prevented the fire from spreading to the nearby filling station, potentially averting a larger catastrophe. Additionally, nearby buildings were spared from the flames, thanks to the efforts of the firefighters,” he added.

Hassan said, “Investigations revealed that the fire originated from one of the shops in close proximity to a store selling engine oil and other flammable fluids, exacerbating the intensity of the blaze.”

Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, Director of the state fire service, extended his sympathies to the victims of the fire, expressing hope for their swift recovery and restoration of what was lost.