National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Chibuzor Alli
Traders, business owners in tears as multimillions worth of goods caught flame in Lagos market.
The fire incident that occurred on Wednesday was said to have started from a little portion, as it gut four buildings in the Idumota area of the Lagos Island local government area of the state.
Speaking on the incident, the Lagos zone National Emergency Management Agency coordinator, Ibarhim Farinlola, fault the spread of the fire on lack of water within the proximity of the fire incident, adding that fire vehicle went in turns to get water realizing the lack.
Farinloye said, “The major problem we had today was the lack of a water source. We have over 10 firefighting appliances and in the whole of Lagos Island, there is nowhere we can source water. So, each of these firefighting appliances had to go about three to four times to fetch water.
“Julius Berger also had to supply us with 30,000 litres of water. Both the Federal Fire Service and the State Fire Service were on the ground, but there was not enough water.”
Meanwhile, NEMA coordinator pleading with traders to support the government ensure water source in the market, emphasizing that the Lagos Building Control Agency would examine the two of the four affected burnt building to determine if there are traders inside.
He said, “The traders should be able to help by contributions so that they can drill a borehole or a fire hydrant section close to the market. Also, they should get some people for us who will be trained as fire marshals so that whenever there is a fire incident, these people can quickly attend to the fire. They should also ensure to insure their goods.”
However, disclosing a recent development of the cause of the fire, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margeret Adeseye scolded traders on poor housekeeping that led to the fire outbreak.
She said, “The root cause of the fire has been determined to be negligence, compounded by the presence of combustible materials within the vicinity.
“The fire quickly spread to neighbouring properties, including houses 47 and 51, where various goods such as decorations and lighters were stored. Prompt action by firefighting teams prevented further escalation and facilitated the extinguishing of the flames.
“The collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including the Federal Fire Service, NPA Fire Service, LASEMA, LASAMBUS, Nigeria Police Force, LNSC, CBD Men, and Julius Berger, played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the situation,”
Specifying the houses affected, Adeseye added, “An update on the fire emergency in Docemo reveals a significant reduction in the intensity of the blaze.
“The affected properties are identified as house numbers 47, 49, and 51.
“Tragically, house number 49 has collapsed due to the fire’s intensity and the close proximity of buildings. Additionally, the fire spread to house number 53.”
