By Stella Agbeyeke
ASABA/Nigeria: Firefighters in Delta State averted what could have been more devastating fire disasters after successfully containing separate blazes that broke out in Asaba and Sapele, with no deaths or injuries recorded in either incident.
Emergency responders prevented the fires from spreading to nearby buildings and commercial premises during operations carried out at a residential property along Okpanam Road in Asaba and at the bustling Sapele Market, according to the Delta State Fire Service.
Details contained in an incident report released by the command showed that the first emergency occurred at a three-bedroom bungalow located opposite Rain Oil on Okpanam Road, Asaba.
The Oshimili Fire Station received a distress call and immediately dispatched a firefighting team led by District Chief Fire Officer (DCF) Ofili. On arrival, the crew commenced firefighting operations and eventually brought the blaze under control.
Although the fire damaged parts of the bungalow, firefighters succeeded in stopping the flames from spreading to adjoining buildings. The command confirmed that no casualty was recorded.
Later the same day, personnel from the Sapele Fire Station responded to another emergency following a fire outbreak at Sapele Market.
The response operation, led by Chief Inspector of Fire (CIF) Tamigbe F., contained the blaze before it could engulf a larger section of the market. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Commenting on the successful emergency operations, the Commissioner for the Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Terry Etacherure, commended officers and men of the Delta State Fire Service for their prompt response and professionalism.
He said the outcome of both incidents highlighted the importance of rapid emergency intervention in reducing the impact of fire outbreaks, urging residents to report fire emergencies immediately to the nearest fire station to minimise damage to lives and property.
The commissioner also advised residents to adopt safer practices capable of reducing fire risks, including proper maintenance of electrical installations, avoiding the use of substandard electrical appliances, switching off electrical equipment when not in use, and keeping combustible materials away from heat sources.
Also speaking, the Director of the Delta State Fire Service Command, Dr. Eugene Oziwelle, urged residents, traders and business owners to make fire prevention a routine responsibility.
He advised property owners to engage qualified electricians for electrical installations and repairs, avoid overloading sockets and extension boxes, carry out regular inspections of electrical systems, and ensure functional fire extinguishers are available in homes, offices, shops and markets.
Oziwelle further encouraged market associations and community leaders to organise periodic fire safety awareness campaigns while keeping access routes free to enable emergency responders to reach affected locations without delay.
He stressed that prompt notification remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of fire incidents, warning members of the public against attempting to extinguish large fires without professional assistance.
The Delta State Fire Service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and appealed to residents to remain vigilant by observing basic fire safety measures.
