A fire outbreak triggered by a power surge has damaged part of a 14-room residential building in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, after flames tore through four rooms on Monday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:03 p.m. at No. 40 Elesinla Compound, off Agbo-Oba Road, in Ilorin West Local Government Area.
Emergency responders from the Kwara State Fire Service arrived promptly at the scene and successfully prevented the fire from spreading to the remaining sections of the building and nearby properties.
Four Rooms Destroyed as Firefighters Contain Blaze
According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the affected property is a storey residential building containing about 14 rooms.
Firefighters immediately launched suppression operations upon arrival and brought the blaze under control by 2:50 p.m. Their swift intervention limited the damage to four rooms, preventing what could have been a far more devastating incident.
No casualties or injuries were reported during the fire outbreak.
Power Surge Identified as Cause of Fire
Preliminary findings from the fire service indicate that the incident was caused by a sudden power surge, which ignited combustible materials inside the affected portion of the building.
Electrical surges remain one of the leading causes of residential fires, especially in areas with unstable electricity supply or faulty electrical installations.
Authorities have not disclosed the estimated value of the damaged property.
Residents Urged to Improve Electrical Safety
Following the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, urged residents to take preventive measures against electrical fires.
He advised homeowners and landlords to install standard electrical systems and surge protection devices to reduce the risk of damage caused by sudden voltage fluctuations.
The fire chief also encouraged residents to:
- Conduct regular inspections of electrical wiring.
- Replace worn-out electrical components immediately.
- Avoid overloading sockets and extension cables.
- Report fire emergencies promptly for faster response.
Fire Service Reaffirms Emergency Response Commitment
The Kwara State Fire Service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property through rapid emergency response and continuous public awareness campaigns on fire prevention.
Officials stressed that adopting proper electrical safety practices can significantly reduce the number of preventable fire incidents across the state.
