A potential disaster was averted in Ibadan in the early hours of Saturday as firefighters successfully contained a blaze that broke out in a boys' quarters apartment within a hotel premises, saving properties estimated to be worth millions of naira.
Swift Midnight Response Thwarts Disaster
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency received a distress call at 12:35 am from a man identified as Mr. Michael, reporting the fire outbreak. Fire personnel, under the leadership of Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Dairo (Mrs), were immediately mobilised to the scene.
Upon arrival, the team found the boys' quarters apartment already engulfed in flames. Through what the agency described as swift and coordinated action, the firefighters managed to contain the fire and crucially prevent it from spreading to the main hotel building and other nearby properties.
Safety Lecture and Official Commendation
After successfully extinguishing the fire, which resulted in no loss of life, the officers took the opportunity to deliver a brief safety talk to the hotel occupants and residents in the vicinity. The lecture focused on fire prevention and essential precautionary measures.
The Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr. Moroof Akinwande, commended the officers for their prompt response. He stated that their timely intervention saved the hotel from being completely razed and prevented potential fatalities.
Public Urged to Prioritise Fire Safety
Dr. Akinwande used the incident to urge the public, particularly owners and occupants of residential and hospitality facilities, to make fire safety a priority. "Fire outbreaks can be prevented or controlled if the right measures are put in place," he emphasized.
He advised that building owners must ensure basic firefighting equipment like extinguishers and smoke detectors are not only available but are also in good working condition. The agency further advised residents and business owners to:
- Remain vigilant and avoid unsafe electrical connections.
- Keep flammable materials stored safely.
- Report any fire incident promptly to emergency services.
The fire appliance returned to the station at 2:17 a.m. and remains on standby. The Fire Services Agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in Oyo State, assuring the public of its readiness to respond to emergencies at all times. This incident highlights the critical importance of emergency preparedness and rapid response capabilities in public facilities.
