Firefighters Hospitalized After Blaze in Lagos
Two firefighters were hospitalized following their collapse while battling a fire that devastated the top floor of a three-storey house in the Ketu Ikosi area of Lagos State. The incident occurred early on Sunday morning, around 6:31 a.m.
Source of the Fire Identified
According to Olawale Afolabi, spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the fire erupted in one of the two adjoining three-storey houses located at 11 Ademola Taiwo Street. Preliminary investigations revealed that an electrical surge from a prepaid meter was the cause of the blaze.
Rapid Response Prevents Further Damage
Afolabi reported that a joint effort with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service successfully contained the fire before it could spread to neighboring properties. Upon the fire crew’s arrival, they found that the flames had consumed the top floor of the affected building.
Firefighters Collapse During Operation
During the active firefighting operation, two personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service collapsed. Afolabi stated that they were quickly evacuated to a trauma center for immediate medical care, transported by both an ambulance from the agency and a LASEMA response vehicle. Fortunately, both officers are now in stable condition.
No Civilian Casualties Reported
Miraculously, no civilian casualties were reported in this incident. Afolabi emphasized, “Fortunately, there were no loss of life or injuries to civilians.” Authorities are now focused on ongoing mitigation efforts to eliminate residual heat and prevent any further risks, while assessing the full extent of the damage to the structure.
Acknowledgment of Emergency Responders
LASEMA praised the professionalism and bravery displayed by all emergency responders, specifically highlighting the swift actions of the Tiger Squad and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. Their concerted efforts significantly mitigated what could have been a far more devastating incident.
Advisory for Residents
In light of the fire, LASEMA Executive Director Olufemi Oke Osanintolu urged residents to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of electrical systems, particularly prepaid meters and wiring, to avert potential electrical surges. He also encouraged the public to stay calm during emergencies and to promptly notify emergency services via the Lagos State toll-free numbers, 112 or 767.
Recent Fire Incidents in Lagos
This is not the first incident of its kind in Lagos. On June 19, Punch Online reported that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service managed to extinguish a fire at Polaris Bank Building on Broad Street, Lagos Island. The fire originated on the third floor of the 17-story structure, which also serves as a parking facility. Commissioner Margaret Adesai confirmed that the blaze was caused by a parked saloon car on the premises.
