The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has successfully contained a fire outbreak that occurred at Papa, Airport Area, Ibadan, on Sunday, preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings and averting possible loss of lives and property.

The incident was reported at exactly 8:00 p.m. through a telephone call by Mrs. Ojo Adewumi, who alerted the agency to a fire outbreak in a residential building at the location. Following the distress call, officers of the agency, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Bamidele Samsudeen, promptly mobilised and deployed to the scene.

On arrival, the firefighters discovered that a private three-bedroom residential flat was already engulfed in flames and thick smoke. The intensity of the fire posed a serious threat to neighbouring apartments within the compound, which comprised six additional flats and other valuable properties.

Demonstrating professionalism and swift response, the fire service personnel immediately swung into action, deploying firefighting equipment and water appliances to combat the blaze. Their timely intervention helped to subdue the fire and restrict it from spreading to the adjoining flats, thereby preventing extensive damage.

No casualties were recorded during the incident, as occupants and residents were able to evacuate safely before the fire escalated. However, the affected three-bedroom flat suffered significant damage as a result of the inferno.

Preliminary investigations by the agency revealed that the fire was caused by unattended lighted candles, which ignited nearby combustible materials and set the building ablaze. The agency noted that negligence and unsafe handling of open flames remain major causes of domestic fire outbreaks.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged residents to always exercise caution when using candles and other open flames in their homes. He advised the public to place candles on iron plates or non-flammable surfaces and to ensure that they are properly extinguished before leaving a room or going to bed.

He also encouraged residents to unplug electrical appliances when not in use, particularly at night, to reduce the risk of electrical faults and fire outbreaks. Furthermore, Hon. Akinwande emphasised the importance of installing fire extinguishers in every household, noting that early intervention can prevent minor incidents from escalating into major disasters.

According to the agency, firefighting operations were concluded successfully, and all appliances returned to the station by 9:57 p.m., after which officers resumed standby duty.

The Oyo State Fire Services Agency expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Police at the Gbagi Divisional Headquarters for providing security cover during the operation. Special commendation was also given to Chief Fire Superintendent Adekola for his support in ensuring the safety of both residents and firefighters at the scene.

The agency reiterated its call on members of the public to promptly report fire incidents and provide accurate addresses to enable swift response.