Fire Destroys Eight Rooms at Ilorin Compound, 20 Shops Escape Blaze
Eight rooms were razed by fire in the early hours of Wednesday at Alangua Compound, opposite Kulende Market in the Sango area of Ilorin, Kwara State, while adjoining buildings were saved from destruction by firefighters.
The fire outbreak, which occurred in a building comprising about 10 rooms and 20 shops, was brought under control by the Kwara State Fire Service following an intensive firefighting operation.
The state Fire Service, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, said its personnel received a distress call at 5:16 a.m. and arrived at the scene at 5:32 a.m.
According to the statement, the building was already engulfed in flames before the arrival of the firefighters due to late notification, but the situation was brought under control at 6:10 a.m.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire reportedly started shortly after electricity was restored to the area, when smoke was noticed coming from one of the rooms.
The affected room was said to contain a large quantity of used rubber slippers and flip-flops reportedly gathered by scavengers for recycling.
The highly combustible nature of the materials was believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, although the exact cause of the outbreak remains under investigation.
The Chief Fire Officer, CFS Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters for their dedication, professionalism and determination in containing the inferno and preventing it from spreading to neighbouring buildings.
He urged residents, traders and recycling operators to exercise caution when storing combustible materials, particularly rubber products, plastics, foam and other highly flammable items.
Muhammed advised that such materials should be kept in properly ventilated and designated storage areas, away from potential sources of ignition.
He also stressed the need for prompt reporting of fire incidents, noting that early notification would enable firefighters to respond swiftly, minimise damage and protect lives and property.
The Kwara State Fire Service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state through prompt emergency response and continuous public fire safety awareness.
