By Stella Agbeyeke
WARRI/Nigeria: Prompt intervention by firefighters of the Delta State Fire and Rescue Service saved adjoining buildings and prevented a major disaster after a fire outbreak gutted shops at Ojabugbe Junction along Okumagba Avenue in Warri South Local Government Area.
The incident, which caused panic among traders and residents in the busy commercial area, drew an immediate emergency response from operatives of the Warri Fire Station Division following a distress call received at about 2:00 p.m.
Officials of the Fire Service disclosed that firefighters mobilised to the scene by 2:01 p.m. and arrived at approximately 2:45 p.m., where they immediately commenced rescue and firefighting operations aimed at containing the inferno and stopping it from spreading to nearby shops and properties.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire outbreak was triggered by sparks from solar batteries and inverter systems installed within the affected shops.
Fortunately, no casualty was recorded during the incident, while several adjoining structures were reportedly salvaged through the timely intervention of the firefighters.
The operation was supervised by DCF Egbenuba K., who also coordinated the documentation of the incident with video and photographic evidence for official records and further investigation.
Following the incident, the Delta State Fire and Rescue Service urged residents and business owners to ensure proper installation, handling, and routine maintenance of solar power systems, inverters, and electrical appliances to reduce the risk of future fire outbreaks.
The agency further reiterated its commitment to rapid emergency response and public safety across the state, while calling on members of the public to promptly report fire incidents and other emergencies for immediate intervention.
