Two firefighters are now in the hospital after they collapsed while fighting a fire that took over the top floor of a three-storey building in Ketu-Ikosi, Lagos State.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olawale Afolabi, shared this information in a statement on Sunday. The fire started around 6:31 am.
Afolabi explained that the fire affected one of two twin three-storey buildings located at No. 11, Ademola Taiwo Street, Ketu-Ikosi. He said it was caused by an electrical surge from a prepaid meter.
He noted that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service worked together to control the fire quickly. Their efforts prevented it from spreading to the other building and nearby houses.
Afolabi stated, "The incident involved one of a pair of twin three-storey residential buildings. When the Tiger Squad arrived, they saw that the fire had taken over the top floor of the building."
He added, "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."
Initial investigations showed that the fire started from "an electrical surge from the prepaid meter located at the front section of the building’s balcony before extending to the topmost floor."
He also mentioned that two firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service collapsed while trying to put out the fire.
He said, "During the firefighting operation, two officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service collapsed while combating the fire. The agency’s Response Team quickly took both officers to the Trauma Centre for immediate medical care using the agency’s ambulance and a LASEMA Response Team vehicle."
"Both officers are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition," he added.
LASEMA confirmed that no civilians were hurt in this incident.
"Fortunately, no loss of life or civilian injuries were recorded in the incident," he said.
The agency mentioned that they are still working to cool down the area and stop any possible flare-ups. They are also securing the building and checking the damage.
"LASEMA appreciates the professionalism and bravery of all emergency responders, especially the Tiger Squad and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, whose quick actions prevented a more serious situation," the statement concluded.
In response, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, urged residents to regularly check and maintain their electrical systems, especially prepaid meters and wiring. This can help prevent electrical surges that might start fires.
He also asked the public to stay calm and work with emergency teams. Residents are encouraged to call the Lagos State emergency toll-free numbers, 112 or 767, during emergencies.
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