A significant fire broke out at a local government office in Lagos on Sunday, causing extensive damage to goods and electronics estimated to be worth millions of naira. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed the incident and is actively managing the situation.
According to a statement provided to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the fire erupted at the LG office located in Abule Osun, Trade Fair area of Lagos. Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, reported that the fire started late in the night and quickly escalated, consuming a large portion of the office’s facilities.
The incident was first reported to LASEMA through emergency calls made around 12:15 AM on Sunday. These calls were made via the toll-free emergency lines 767 and 112. In response, LASEMA promptly activated the Lagos State Emergency Response Plans to tackle the crisis.
Upon arrival at the scene around 12:40 AM, LASEMA officials found that the fire was already raging uncontrollably. The blaze had spread throughout the entire warehouse, which housed a variety of equipment, including small forklifts, household items, and valuable electronics. The damage was extensive, with the estimated loss reaching hundreds of millions of naira. The rapid spread of the fire made it challenging for responders to contain it quickly.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the exact cause of the fire is still unknown and under investigation. LASEMA, in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, is working diligently to determine the cause and prevent the fire from spreading further. The fire service has been on the ground with several additional fire trucks and equipment to manage the situation effectively.
Despite the scale of the disaster, there have been no reported fatalities or injuries associated with the fire. However, the fire has caused substantial disruption and damage to the LG office and its contents. The entire premises were affected, and the extent of the destruction is still being assessed.
The Lagos State Government and emergency responders are focused on managing the aftermath of the fire. Efforts are underway to support the affected individuals and to assess the full impact of the incident. The community has been advised to stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel to carry out their work efficiently.
As the investigation continues, LASEMA has promised to provide updates and more information regarding the cause of the fire and the steps being taken to address the damage. The authorities are also reviewing fire safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The fire at the local government office in Lagos has been a major incident, resulting in significant property damage and disrupting the operations of the affected office. The combined efforts of LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other emergency responders are crucial in managing the crisis and mitigating the impact on the community.