Again, fire guts Enugu timber market

For the second time this year, the Enugu Timber Market, located in Enugu South Local Government Area (LGA), was gutted by fire over the weekend, destroying property worth several millions of naira.
The cause of the fire, which comes barely six months after a similar inferno in the market, could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

Saturday’s incident caused severe damage, as several shops stocked with timber, finished products like wooden doors, and heavy-duty machines were destroyed.

Some of the affected traders reported seeing thick smoke rising from the market as flames rapidly spread through the wooden structures, consuming a substantial quantity of timber and machinery.
Firefighters from the Enugu State Fire Service responded promptly to distress calls from traders and residents, racing to the scene to battle the inferno.

An eyewitness said the firemen worked hard to extinguish the fire and prevent its spread to other shops.

Despite their efforts, the intensity of the fire posed considerable challenges, sparking fears for the safety of individuals in the vicinity.

However, there have been no reported casualties, though several traders suffered significant financial losses due to the destruction of their goods.

Chairman of the Enugu Timber Association, Mr Ugochukwu Nwatu, stated that the cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained but confirmed that many shops belonging to timber dealers were affected.

It could be recalled that a similar fire outbreak occurred in the timber market in June this year, destroying over ten shops.