A devastating fire has destroyed a shopping complex and adjoining shops on Amore Street, Ajegunle-Boundary axis of Lagos, destroying goods estimated to be worth millions of naira.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the inferno broke out in the early hours of Wednesday.
In a preliminary report released on Thursday and signed by the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the incident was reported at about 2:40 a.m. through LASEMA’s 767/112 toll-free emergency lines, prompting the immediate activation of the state’s emergency response from the Cappa Base, Oshodi.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene at about 3:22 a.m. and found the one-storey commercial building engulfed in flames. The complex housed several traders, mostly clothing dealers.
“Following distress alerts received on its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines at 02:40 am, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency activated the state’s emergency response plan from its Cappa Base.
“Upon arrival at 03:22 am, it was observed that a fire outbreak had occurred in a shopping complex accommodating clothes dealers. Active flames were observed, indicating intense combustion within the complex and surrounding shops used for storage and sales of clothes. The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of the fire,” the statement said.
Preliminary findings by the response team indicated that the fire was caused by a power surge after the restoration of public electricity supply.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire ignited as a result of a power surge when public power supply was restored. Fortunately, there was no loss of life or casualties as a result of the incident,” LASEMA stated.
The agency said it conducted a risk assessment, cordoned off the affected area and activated safety protocols to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.
“Upon arrival, LASEMA Response Team conducted risk assessment of the incident scene and cordoned off the activity area. Safety and precautionary measures were activated to forestall damage to adjoining buildings.
“Prompt interventions were implemented in collaboration with other responders to prevent escalation and eventually extinguish the fire. LASEMA coordinated the multi-agency response to ensure a quick and safe operation,” the agency added.
The fire completely consumed the shopping complex, adjoining structures and all goods stored inside.
“The entire one-storey shopping complex and surrounding shops were completely razed. All goods and properties worth millions of naira were totally destroyed. Physical examination reveals partial structural compromise, requiring immediate structural assessment,” the report stated.
LASEMA advised owners of commercial properties in the area to review fire safety measures and storage practices to prevent future incidents.
Firefighting operations successfully contained the blaze within the affected area and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring buildings. Damping-down operations are ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition, while rescue and recovery operations have been concluded.
Agencies involved in the operation included the LASEMA Response Team (Cappa Base), the LASEMA Fire Unit, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Nigeria Police Force.
LASEMA confirmed that the site will continue to be monitored to prevent a recurrence of the fire.
Elijah Adeyemi
