Power Surge Sets Asa-Dam Residence Ablaze, Destroys Three Bedrooms

A suspected power surge has triggered a fire outbreak at a residential building in the Asa-Dam area of Ilorin, Kwara State, destroying three bedrooms before firefighters arrived at the scene on Thursday.

The incident occurred at about 3:56pm at a building located near Ile-Anu Wofem Church, behind the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Asa-Dam, Ilorin.

The affected building consists of three three-bedroom flats and a room-and-parlour self-contained apartment.

The fire reportedly destroyed three bedrooms but was prevented from spreading to the adjoining block of self-contained apartments by firefighters from the Kwara State Fire Service.

The Fire Service said the blaze had gained considerable ground before emergency responders were alerted, stressing that the late notification could have resulted in more extensive damage.

A preliminary assessment indicated that the fire was suspected to have been caused by a power surge, which ignited combustible materials within the affected section of the building.

The Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, urged residents to ensure that electrical installations in their homes were regularly inspected and maintained by qualified personnel.

Muhammed also advised residents to immediately contact the Fire Service whenever they notice smoke or flames, stressing that early intervention remained critical in preventing domestic fires from escalating.

“Early notification gives firefighters a better opportunity to contain the fire before it escalates,” he said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kwara State Fire Service to protecting lives and property through prompt response to fire emergencies across the state.

“The incident has once again highlighted the need for residents to exercise caution in the use of electrical appliances and ensure that faulty wiring and other electrical defects are promptly addressed,” he added.