iDeemlawfulFirefighters from the Kwara State Fire Service on Thursday brought under control a major fire outbreak at a Mouka Foam distribution depot situated beside Asa Dam Hospital in the Asa Dam area of Ilorin, the state capital.
A statement issued by the Head of the Media Unit of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, disclosed that the affected premises is a major Mouka Foam depot supplying Ilorin and surrounding communities.
According to the statement, the fire involved a storey building with an extension at the rear used as a warehouse. Before emergency responders were notified, the blaze had already spread to two nearby buildings, posing serious risks to lives and adjoining properties.
“Firefighters responded swiftly and displayed high-level professionalism and operational prowess in tackling the inferno, successfully preventing further escalation and damage,” the statement said.
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It added that the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, personally led the firefighting team to the location to ensure proper coordination and effective control of the operation.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” the statement noted.
Speaking after the incident, Alabi cautioned warehouse operators, distributors and members of the public to exercise care in storing and handling foam mattresses, explaining that such products are made from petrochemical-based materials that are highly flammable.
He emphasised the importance of adequate spacing, proper ventilation, strict adherence to fire safety regulations and the installation of functional firefighting equipment in facilities handling combustible materials.
In a related incident, the Kwara State Fire Service also responded to another fire outbreak on Wednesday at Franchise, Olorundola Street, opposite the Central Bank of Nigeria quarters, Pipeline Area, GAA Akanbi, Ilorin.
The fire affected a duplex with about five bedrooms, with one of the rooms impacted by the incident.
“Firefighters arrived promptly and brought the fire under control at about 12:59pm, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building,” Alabi said.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire originated from a solar-powered system, which escalated and affected the bedroom before firefighters arrived.
Alabi advised residents and users of solar and alternative power systems to ensure proper installation by qualified technicians, carry out routine maintenance and use quality components.
He also stressed the need to install protective devices and keep flammable materials away from power sources to reduce the risk of fire incidents.
The Kwara State Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.