A 500KVA generator powering an Airtel telecommunications base station was destroyed by fire in Ibadan at the weekend, prompting the Oyo State Fire Services Agency to urge telecommunications operators to strengthen fire safety measures at their facilities.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening after the agency received a distress call at about 6:42 p.m. through its emergency line and a resident, Mrs. Yetunfe Adeleke, reporting a fire outbreak at the facility.

A team of firefighters led by Fire Officer II Adepoju Muideen was immediately deployed to the scene.

According to the agency, firefighters met the generator engulfed in flames and swiftly contained the blaze before it spread to other equipment at the base station and a nearby medical centre.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by excessive heat generated from the exhaust pipe of the generator, which ignited nearby combustible materials.

The agency said the prompt intervention of its personnel prevented what could have escalated into a more devastating incident.

Following the successful operation, the firefighters returned to the station at about 7:14 p.m. and resumed operational standby.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged members of the public to remain vigilant against fire outbreaks.

He also urged telecommunications companies to adequately protect their installations by providing basic firefighting equipment at all base stations.

According to him, the installation of fire extinguishers and other first-aid fire fighting facilities at telecommunications sites would help contain fire outbreaks before they escalate.

The agency urged residents to promptly report fire incidents and provide accurate location details through its emergency numbers to ensure rapid response.