Abuja firefighters save ₦1.3bn property, record no casualties

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has saved property estimated at ₦1.3 billion following a fire outbreak at a three-storey residential building along Old Gwarimpa Road, Abuja.

The Service disclosed that no casualties, injuries or deaths were recorded during the incident, which affected the top floor of the building comprising 16 units of three-bedroom flats.

In a statement on October 28, the FFS said its Control Room received a distress call at 7:01 pm, prompting an immediate response. Firefighters battled the blaze for about five hours before successfully extinguishing it.

The operation involved multiple FFS stations, the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service, Julius Berger Fire Service and the NJC Fire Service.

According to the statement, the property was valued at approximately ₦1.5 billion while the estimated losses stood at ₦200 million.

The Service said preliminary observations suggested a possible electrical surge as the cause of the fire, although this had yet to be confirmed.

Following an inspection to ensure no further signs of fire remained, personnel and firefighting equipment returned to their respective stations at 12:06 a.m. on October 28.

The FFS urged residents, landlords and property managers to inspect electrical installations regularly, avoid overloading sockets, replace faulty wiring and install functional smoke detectors and suitable fire extinguishers.

It also advised residents to keep emergency exits clear and familiarise themselves with evacuation procedures.