Nigeria: Fire guts building in Anambra, firefighters caution landlords

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A devastating fire outbreak occurred at a residential building located along Nkisi Aroli Street, behind St. Charles College, Onitsha, the Anambra State commercial center, on Tuesday. The fire burned for several hours before the intervention of the men of the fire service, who had difficulties accessing the vicinity due to a lack of access roads and the poor topographical nature of the area.

Although no casualty was recorded, the fire razed the building and some property in it. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with residents nearby panicking and assisting the firefighters to ensure the situation was under control.

The Anambra State Fire Service Media and Publicity Unit confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday. According to the state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, two crews of firefighters and two firefighting trucks were deployed to the scene after the fire service received a distress call.

However, the firefighting trucks could not access the scene due to the blockage of roads by houses crowded in the area. The firefighters had to add over five lengths of hoses, about four poles from the scene, to battle the fire.

The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained, and the fire service is investigating the matter. The fire chief advised landlords and house owners, as well as community leaders, to always consider and ensure access roads for the free flow of vehicular movement, especially firefighting trucks in any case of emergency.

The lack of access roads for firefighting trucks led to much damage, even when firefighters arrived at the scene on time. The fire chief emphasized the need for the public to assist in providing free access roads and security for firefighters.

This incident highlights the importance of urban planning and the need for adequate infrastructure to support emergency services. The Anambra State Fire Service’s prompt response and efforts to contain the fire are commendable, and their advice to landlords and community leaders is well-taken.

In the future, it is hoped that measures will be put in place to prevent such incidents and ensure that emergency services can access areas quickly and efficiently.