The Lagos zone of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has attributed the escalation of the fire incident in the Idumota area of Lagos Island Local Government Area to the absence of a nearby water source. Ibrahim Farinloye, the NEMA State Coordinator, revealed this in an interview with PUNCH Metro, highlighting the challenge faced by emergency responders in quelling the fire effectively.
Farinloye emphasized that the lack of a water source near the fire incident hampered efforts to contain the fire, leading to its escalation and extensive damage to four buildings. He noted that firefighting appliances had to make multiple trips to fetch water, as there was no water source in proximity to the area.
Despite efforts from the Federal Fire Service, State Fire Service, and support from Julius Berger, there was insufficient water to extinguish the fire. Farinloye urged traders in the market to support the government in establishing a water source near the market and to train individuals as fire marshals to respond quickly to future fire incidents.
Regarding the cause of the fire, Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, attributed it to poor housekeeping and negligence by traders, compounded by the presence of combustible materials. Adeseye commended the collaborative efforts of various agencies in containing the fire and preventing further escalation.
The fire razed three buildings at the intersection of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Docemo in Idumota, with one building collapsing due to the fire's intensity. Adeseye reported a significant reduction in the blaze's intensity, thanks to the collective efforts of firefighting teams and emergency response agencies.
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