An early morning fire on Thursday destroyed several shops in a three-storey commercial building at Nodu Market, behind Juhel Pharmaceutical Company, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The blaze, which reportedly caused damage worth several million naira, was brought under control by the Anambra State Fire Service.
Fortunately, no casualties were recorded. The cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, but preliminary reports suggest it may have started after an occupant fell asleep while cooking.
Eyewitnesses said the fire raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived and prevented it from spreading to nearby structures.
Our correspondent, who was at the scene on Friday, observed that some shop owners were still salvaging items from the burnt shops.
Confirming the incident, Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said a crew and firefighting equipment were immediately dispatched after receiving the distress call. Two men trapped in the building were rescued.
The statement read in part, “A three-storey building at Nodu Okpuno, opposite Nodu Market, located behind the Juhel Pharmaceutical Company in Awka South LGA of Anambra State, was engulfed by fire in the early hours of Thursday morning, sparking panic among residents and those living around the busy commercial area.
“The Anambra State Fire Service received the distress call and immediately deployed firefighters with two firefighting trucks. Upon arrival, operatives launched a rapid and coordinated attack on the blaze, which reportedly began in one of the upper flats.
“Although the official cause is yet to be confirmed, it as gathered as alleged that the fire started after an occupant fell asleep while cooking.
“During the operation, two people trapped inside the burning flat were successfully rescued and brought to safety.
“Thanks to the swift response, the fire was completely contained that same morning, and firefighters left the scene after ensuring the area was secure.”
The fire chief extended profound gratitude to the general public, especially residents of the neighbouring flats, who provided support and assisted firefighters during the operation, adding that their cooperation and assistance contributed greatly to the success of the containment effort.
According to him, despite the successful outcome, firefighters encountered significant difficulties, including; non-spacious access road and a tiny internal staircase.
“The narrow access leading to the building made it challenging for fire trucks to manoeuvre and take effective attack positions, while the narrow staircase within the building hindered the free movement of firefighters and made it difficult to transport heavy firefighting equipment to the affected flat.
“These impediments slowed down tactical movements and increased the risk level for both firefighters and trapped occupants.
“The Anambra State Fire Service has consistently advised the public to always ensure that access roads to residential and commercial buildings remain wide enough for emergency vehicles, and incorporate adequate stairways and escape routes in buildings to aid evacuation and emergency response.
“The people should always avoid practices that obstruct access paths, such as indiscriminate parking, illegal structures, or blocked corridors.
“Prioritise fire safety consciousness, including never leaving cooking or electrical appliances unattended.
“The Fire Service emphasised that overcoming such challenges is crucial for faster, safer, and more effective emergency operations,” the statement concluded.
PUNCH Online in March similarly reported that fire burnt about nine shops located at No. 112 Ziks Avenue, by Osamala, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, destroying goods worth millions.
Although there was no casualty recorded, it was gathered that the fire was caused by a power surge which came from one of the shops.
