The Delta State Fire Service has successfully put out three separate fire outbreaks in Asaba within three days, preventing the fires from spreading further and ensuring that no lives were lost despite the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
The incidents occurred between July 16 and July 18 at different locations in the state capital, including a residential building, an electronics warehouse and another house. Firefighters responded quickly to each emergency and brought the situations under control before the fires could spread to nearby buildings.
Although the fires caused heavy property losses, the prompt response of officers from the Oshimili Fire Station helped to minimise the damage and avert what could have been a bigger disaster.
According to reports from the Oshimili Fire Station, the first incident happened on July 16 at about 12:30 p.m. along the Asaba-Benin Expressway, off Ave Maria Avenue, where a duplex building was gutted by fire. Firefighters, led by DCF Ofili, arrived at the scene within minutes and successfully contained the blaze. No casualty was recorded, but properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
Less than 24 hours later, at about 6:52 a.m. on July 17, firefighters responded to another emergency at Kowea Plaza on Nnebisi Road, where an electronics warehouse had caught fire. The team prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining shops, although goods valued at millions of naira were lost.
The third incident occurred at about 12:24 p.m. on July 18 along Abuta Lane, Nnebisi Road, near Sterling Bank, where a four-bedroom bungalow caught fire. Firefighters quickly brought the situation under control, with no loss of life recorded.
Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Terry Etacherure, praised officers of the Delta State Fire Service for their professionalism, bravery and commitment to protecting lives and property.
He said the Delta State Government, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, would continue to strengthen emergency response services through improved logistics, personnel support and public safety initiatives.
The commissioner also advised residents to observe fire safety measures by maintaining electrical installations, handling cooking gas carefully and reporting fire outbreaks early to enable emergency responders to act promptly.
The Director of the Delta State Fire Service, Dr. Eugene Oziwelle, described the absence of casualties in all three incidents as encouraging, saying it reflected the prompt response of firefighters and the cooperation of residents.
He urged residents and business owners to install fire extinguishers, follow basic fire prevention measures and immediately alert the Fire Service whenever a fire breaks out.
Eyewitnesses at the affected locations commended the firefighters for their swift response and determination, noting that their efforts prevented the fires from spreading to nearby buildings.
The Delta State Government appealed to residents to remain vigilant, comply with fire safety regulations and promptly report fire emergencies, stressing that public cooperation is essential in reducing the impact of fire disasters across the state.
