Two firefighters hospitalised as fire engulfs Lagos building

Two firefighters are receiving medical treatment after collapsing while battling a fire that engulfed the top floor of a three-storey residential building in the Ketu-Ikosi area of Lagos State.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA)l, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Olawale Afolabi, who said the incident occurred at about 6:31 a.m.

According to Afolabi, the fire broke out in one of two adjoining three-storey residential buildings located at No. 11, Ademola Taiwo Street, Ketu-Ikosi, and was traced to an electrical surge from a prepaid meter.

He said emergency responders from LASEMA and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service swiftly mobilised to the scene, successfully containing the blaze before it could spread to the adjacent building and other nearby properties.

“The incident involved one of a pair of twin three-storey residential buildings. Upon the arrival of the Tiger Squad, it was observed that the fire had engulfed the topmost floor of the affected building.

“Swift and coordinated firefighting operations were immediately commenced to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to the adjoining twin building and other nearby properties,” Afolabi stated.

Preliminary findings, he said, indicated that the fire originated from an electrical surge at a prepaid meter installed on the front section of the building’s balcony before spreading to the upper floor.

During the operation, two firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service collapsed while working to extinguish the flames.

Afolabi said the affected officers were immediately evacuated by LASEMA’s response team to the Trauma Centre using the agency’s ambulance and a response vehicle for urgent medical attention.

“Both officers are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition,” he added.

Despite the severity of the incident, LASEMA confirmed that no residents were injured and no lives were lost.

The agency also disclosed that dampening-down operations were ongoing to eliminate residual heat and reduce the risk of another fire outbreak, while recovery efforts continued to secure the affected structure and evaluate the extent of the damage.

LASEMA commended members of its Tiger Squad and personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt response and professionalism, noting that their efforts prevented a more devastating disaster.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, urged residents to carry out regular inspections and maintenance of electrical installations, particularly prepaid meters and electrical wiring, to minimise the risk of electrical faults and fire outbreaks.

He also advised the public to remain calm during emergencies, cooperate with emergency responders and promptly report incidents through the Lagos State emergency toll-free numbers 112 and 767.

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