Combined firefighters avert disaster, quell fire in Somolu

A potentially devastating fire outbreak was successfully brought under control on Friday following the swift intervention of a combined team of firefighters from the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service at No. 29, Anifowoshe Street, Somolu, Lagos State.

The fire, which reportedly broke out around 10:45 am shortly after the rainfall, caused panic among residents of the densely populated neighbourhood as thick smoke billowed from the affected building.

However, the prompt response of the firefighters prevented the inferno from spreading to adjoining structures, thereby averting what could have been a major disaster.

Speaking with Somolu Newspaper at the scene of the incident, the leader of the Lagos State Fire Service team, Mr Nurudeen Afolayan, disclosed that the fire originated from an upper room at the rear section of the building.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by an electrical spark from one of the appliances in the upper room at the back of the house. Fortunately, we received the distress call on time and immediately mobilised our men alongside the Federal Fire Service to contain the situation”. Afolayan explained.

He commended the synergy between both fire services, noting that the collaboration ensured a quick and effective firefighting operation.

According to him, although the fire damaged properties, no life was lost.

However, one of the victims of the incident, Mr Ahmed Lasisi, recounted his ordeal, describing the experience as frightening. “I was inside the house when I noticed smoke coming from the back. Before we knew it, the fire had intensified. We started shouting for help and tried to salvage what we could before the firefighters arrived”. He said.

Lasisi expressed gratitude to the firefighters for their timely intervention, adding that their professionalism prevented the building from being destroyed. “If not for their quick response, the whole place and nearby houses would have been burnt down”. He added.

Residents of Anifowoshe Street also praised the fire service personnel for their bravery and efficiency, while urging authorities to intensify public awareness on fire safety, especially regarding electrical installations and the use of cooking gas.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Federal Fire Services,  Atta David, advised residents to regularly check their electrical wiring and appliances to prevent similar incidents in the future, stressing that early reporting of fire outbreaks remains crucial to saving lives and property.

Men of the Nigeria Police Force from Alade Police Station, Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps (LNSC), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and other security agents were on the ground, who did all they could to make the operation successful.