Enugu: Fire Fighters from the Enugu State Fire Service have successfully quelled an inferno in a foam-laden packing store within Ogbete Main Market, Enugu.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Director of the Service, Chief Okwudili Ohaa, disclosed in an interview that the fire started around 1:20 p.m. The swift response of the state fire service was crucial in preventing the blaze from spreading to other parts of the market.

Chief Ohaa noted that within five minutes of receiving a distress call from the Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh, and other concerned citizens at approximately 1:25 p.m., the fire service arrived at the scene. In less than 10 minutes, the team, including officers from the Ogbete Main Market Fire Station, those from the headquarters in Ogui, and the market vigilante/security group, managed to contain the fire to the store where it originated.

Chief Ohaa confirmed that no trading shop was affected as the packing store was located above the usual shops. He emphasized that no lives were lost and the damage was limited to a few foams.

He expressed gratitude to the LG Chairman and citizens for their prompt calls and acknowledged the contributions of other organizations and individuals in extinguishing the fire. The cause of the inferno was likely an electrical surge due to crowded wiring in the affected store.

Chief Ohaa urged the market authorities to restore the original master plan of the market, which includes provision for free access ways. He pointed out that the fire truck provided by the state government is currently stationed at the headquarters because there is no space to park it in the market. Moreover, traders’ wares obstruct major access routes, complicating swift movement of emergency vehicles within the market.