LASEMA PROBES FIRE THAT RAZED MAKESHIFT HOMES IN YABA
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has launched an investigation into the fire that destroyed a cluster of makeshift residential structures in the Abule Oja area of Yaba, Lagos.
The agency said no casualties were recorded, attributing the outcome to the swift intervention of emergency responders, who prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the fire occurred at 9/10 Abudu Street, Abule Oja, by UNILAG Road, prompting the immediate deployment of emergency personnel.
The response team included officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, the University of Lagos Fire Service, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and operatives from LASEMA’s Alpha Cobra Base.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, the fire spread rapidly because of the combustible materials used in the affected makeshift structures and their close proximity to one another.
“The fire affected a cluster of residential makeshift structures. Due to the proximity of the buildings and the combustible materials within, the flames spread rapidly before responders arrived,” he said.
He added that emergency workers successfully prevented the fire from engulfing a nearby two-storey building while ensuring there was no loss of life.
“Through the diligence and courage of our emergency personnel, the adjoining two-storey building was successfully salvaged and, most importantly, no casualties were recorded,” the statement said.
The agency said damping-down operations were carried out to eliminate residual hotspots and prevent a fresh outbreak, while the affected area has been secured to ensure public safety.
Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that a comprehensive damage assessment is ongoing, with relevant government agencies mobilised to provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to affected residents.
He said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, adding that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is investigating the incident in collaboration with other relevant agencies.
The LASEMA boss commended emergency responders for their professionalism and thanked residents for cooperating during the rescue operation.
He also urged members of the public to observe basic fire safety measures, including avoiding substandard electrical wiring, preventing the overloading of electrical sockets and equipping homes and businesses with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
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