By Sarah Ezeh
The Anambra State Fire Service on Tuesday averted a major disaster after swiftly containing a fire at the Federal Secretariat in Awka, saving government property estimated at over ₦200 billion.
The fire, which broke out at about 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, affected two offices, including a store and an adjoining office occupied by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
The fire destroyed office equipment, official documents and files before firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Director of the Anambra State Fire Service, Engr. Chiketa Chukwudi, said personnel responded promptly to a distress call, preventing the fire from spreading to other sections of the government complex.
Chukwudi said property worth about ₦1 million was destroyed, while investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident.
Although the cause of the fire has yet to be established, he said a power surge is suspected.
Some workers also reported fluctuations in electricity supply at the secretariat before the outbreak.
The incident caused panic as workers evacuated the building after smoke was detected on the second floor.
Public Relations Officer of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Anambra State, Mr. Anthony Obiora, said workers initially attempted to contain the fire but were unable to do so because they did not know how to operate the available fire extinguishers.
He commended the prompt response of the Fire Service, noting that its intervention prevented the blaze from spreading to adjoining offices and safeguarded additional government property.
Chukwudi urged public institutions, businesses and households to install functional fire extinguishers and ensure occupants are trained in their proper use.
He stressed that early deployment can prevent minor fire incidents from escalating into major disasters.
He also advised the public to immediately notify the Fire Service whenever there is a fire outbreak to enable a rapid response and minimise losses.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
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