Fire engulfs shops in three-storey building in Anambra

A fire that broke out in the early hours of Thursday led to the destruction of multiple shops within a three-story commercial structure loca...

A fire that broke out in the early hours of Thursday led to the destruction of multiple shops within a three-story commercial structure located at Nodu Market, adjacent to Juhel Pharmaceutical Company, in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The fire, which is said to have resulted in losses amounting to several million naira, was contained by the Anambra State Fire Service.

Luckily, there were no injuries reported. The origin of the fire has not been verified, but initial findings indicate it might have begun when a resident fell asleep while preparing food.

Witnesses reported that the fire burned for several minutes prior to the arrival of firefighters, who managed to stop it from spreading to adjacent buildings.

Our reporter, who was present at the location on Friday, noted that several store owners were still retrieving belongings from the burned-out shops.

Confirming the event, Chukwudi Chiketa, Head of Media and Publicity at the Anambra State Fire Service, stated that a team and firefighting machinery were promptly sent out following the emergency call. Two individuals who were stuck inside the building were successfully rescued.

The text stated, “A three-story structure at Nodu Okpuno, across from Nodu Market, situated behind the Juhel Pharmaceutical Company in Awka South LGA of Anambra State, caught fire during the early hours of Thursday morning, causing alarm among locals and people residing near the bustling commercial zone.”

The Anambra State Fire Service got the emergency call and quickly sent firefighters along with two fire trucks. When they arrived, staff launched a swift and well-coordinated effort to tackle the fire, which is said to have started in one of the upper-floor apartments.

Although the official reason has not been verified yet, it has been reported that the fire began when a resident fell asleep while preparing food.

During the operation, two individuals who were stuck inside the burning apartment were safely rescued and taken to a secure location.

Due to the quick action, the fire was fully under control by the same morning, and firefighters departed the site after confirming the area was safe.

The fire department head expressed deep appreciation to the public, particularly those living in nearby apartment buildings, who offered help and support to firefighters throughout the incident, noting that their collaboration and aid played a significant role in the successful control of the situation.

As he stated, although the result was successful, firefighters faced major challenges, such as a narrow access road and a small internal staircase.

The limited entry to the building posed difficulties for fire trucks in positioning themselves effectively, while the narrow staircase inside the structure restricted firefighters' movement and complicated the transport of heavy firefighting gear to the impacted apartment.

These obstacles hindered quick maneuvers and raised the danger for both firefighters and those trapped inside.

The Anambra State Fire Service has repeatedly urged the public to keep access roads to homes and businesses sufficiently wide for emergency vehicles, and to include proper staircases and escape paths in structures to assist with evacuation and emergency operations.

The public must consistently refrain from actions that hinder access routes, including random parking, unauthorized constructions, or obstructed passageways.

Focus on fire safety awareness, such as never leaving cooking or electrical devices without supervision.

"The Fire Service highlighted that addressing these challenges is essential for quicker, safer, and more efficient emergency responses," the statement ended.

PUNCH Online, in March, also stated that a fire consumed roughly nine shops situated at No. 112 Ziks Avenue, near Osamala, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, resulting in the destruction of items valued at millions.

Although no injuries were reported, it was determined that the fire resulted from an electrical surge originating from one of the stores.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).