The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has confirmed that an overloaded solar power installation sparked a fire that damaged part of a residential building in Ogbomoso. Firefighters from the Ogbomoso Zonal Command responded promptly, preventing the blaze from spreading to nearby structures.
Incident Details
The distress call was received at approximately 4:59 p.m. on Thursday from a passerby and Mr. Adeoye Sina, reporting a house fire at Aaje Ologo area of Ogbomoso. A team led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Dairo was immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a three-bedroom flat completely engulfed in flames and thick smoke. They quickly began operations and extinguished the fire within a short time, saving neighboring properties from damage.
No Casualties, Properties Saved
The agency confirmed no casualties were recorded, and properties worth millions of naira were salvaged due to the timely intervention. Preliminary investigations revealed the fire originated from an overloaded solar power installation on the roof.
After extinguishing the fire, fire officers conducted a brief safety awareness session for occupants and sympathizers, educating them on preventive measures. Later that evening, the fire appliance was redeployed to attend to a petrol tanker accident at Apake area of Ogbomoso.
Official Advice
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged the public to ensure solar power systems are installed only by qualified and certified technicians.
He emphasized that all solar panels, inverters, batteries, cables, and related accessories must meet approved safety standards and be properly sized to avoid overloading. Property owners should conduct regular inspections and maintenance of solar installations, ensure adequate cable protection and ventilation, and avoid using substandard electrical components.
Akinwande warned against storing combustible materials near solar installations or electrical equipment, noting such practices increase fire risks. He advised households, shops, and commercial establishments to install functional fire extinguishers and adhere strictly to basic fire safety precautions to protect lives and property.
