Firefighters avert disaster as fire guts shopping complex in Ilorin
Firefighters in Ilorin on Wednesday swiftly contained a fire outbreak at a commercial complex, preventing what could have escalated into a major disaster in the busy Oro Road axis.
The incident, which occurred at about 4:19 p.m., affected a two-storey building known as Akolapo Plaza, located off Taiwo Oke area. According to a statement issued by the Kwara State Fire Service, the building houses about 18 shops, but only one shop was impacted by the blaze.
Emergency responders were said to have arrived promptly at the scene, deploying coordinated firefighting measures that successfully curtailed the spread of the fire to other sections of the plaza and nearby properties.
“The firefighters promptly arrived at the scene and, through swift and coordinated efforts, successfully contained the fire,” the statement read, noting that their intervention “prevented it from spreading to other shops within the plaza and adjoining properties.”
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have originated from a solar power installation. Investigators suspect that “a spark from the wiring of a solar power system… ignited nearby combustible materials,” leading to the outbreak.
Reacting to the incident, Director of the State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, urged caution among property owners and business operators relying on alternative energy sources. He emphasized the need for proper safety standards.
He advised that users of solar systems must ensure “proper installation by certified professionals, routine inspection and maintenance of wiring, and the use of standard, high-quality components.”
Muhammed further stressed the importance of preventive safety measures, including keeping flammable materials away from power systems and installing functional fire extinguishers to tackle emergencies at their early stages.
Authorities say the service remains committed to protecting lives and property while intensifying public awareness on fire safety across the state.
