Firecracker sparks fire outbreak in Kwara

A firecracker thrown into a store by a young boy has caused a fire outbreak behind Sidi shopping complex, Aperan road, Omu-Aran, Irepodun local government area, Kwara state.

Tribune Online gathered that the incident happened on Thursday, New Year’s Day at 2:43 pm involved a storey building comprising about eight rooms and two shops, with the store area affected by the fire.

Preliminary investigation conducted by the state fire service revealed that the fire was caused by a firecracker (banger).

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“A boy reportedly threw the firecracker into the store after feeling heat on his hand while playing with it, which led to ignition of combustible materials inside the store”.

The head, media and publicity of the Kwara state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the report, saying that firefighters intervened on time to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other rooms, shops, and nearby properties.

“The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, strongly warned parents and guardians to closely monitor children and strictly discourage the use of fireworks and firecrackers, especially in residential and commercial environments.

“He emphasised that fireworks are highly dangerous and can easily cause fires, injuries, and loss of property.

“The Director further advised the general public to keep flammable materials secured, ensure stores and shops are properly locked, and immediately report any fire incident to the Fire Service for swift response.

“The Kwara State Fire Service reiterates its commitment to public safety and urges residents to remain vigilant, particularly during festive periods.

“The state fire service also said that it responded to a fire outbreak that affected one of three warehouses
at Asapa, along Ogbondoroko–Afon Road, Asa local government area, Kwara state, on New Year’s Day.

“The incident involved three warehouses, out of which one warehouse was affected by a severe fire outbreak. The warehouses were stocked with soybean and cocoa sacks.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by poor ventilation, which led to spontaneous ignition due to heat buildup within the warehouse containing agricultural produce.

“Firefighters worked to save the remaining two warehouses from destruction. The operation was extremely challenging, with the fire appliance requiring water replenishment up to eight times before the inferno could be fully extinguished.

“The firefighting operation lasted approximately 14 hours, concluding at 16:00hrs, highlighting the intensity of the blaze and the commitment of the officers on duty, especially on New Year’s Day, a period traditionally reserved for rest and celebration.

“The Director of the state fire service, Alabi Mohammed, advised warehouse owners and agricultural produce handlers to ensure adequate ventilation, proper stacking arrangements, and routine fire safety assessments, especially in facilities storing heat-sensitive commodities.

“He emphasised that preventive measures remain critical in avoiding spontaneous combustion and large-scale losses.

“Also on Thursday, the Kwara state firefighters prevented the spread of a late-night residential fire at Sanu-Shehu Street, opposite Government Day Secondary School, Isale Koko Area, Ilorin, Kwara state.

“The incident involved a building comprising about eight rooms, all of which were affected by the fire. At the time of the outbreak, no occupant was at home, and the fire had already fully engulfed the building before neighbours alerted the Fire Service.

“Upon arrival, firefighters acted swiftly and professionally to contain the blaze and successfully prevent it from spreading to neighbouring buildings, thereby averting a wider residential disaster.

“Preliminary investigation indicated that the fire was caused by a power surge, which ignited combustible materials within the building”.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Mohammed, advised residents to install surge protectors, ensure proper electrical wiring, and switch off electrical appliances when leaving their homes.

He also urged community members to maintain neighbourhood vigilance and report fire incidents promptly, noting that early notification remains critical in minimising losses.