A power surge on Wednesday afternoon triggered a fire outbreak that damaged parts of an eight-flat residential building at Oloje Phase 2 Housing Estate in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred around 3:28 p.m. in the Kwara State capital, with firefighters managing to contain the blaze before it spread to nearby apartments and adjoining buildings.
The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed that the affected structure was a residential building comprising about eight flats, while sections of the sitting room and dining area were destroyed by the fire.
Head of Media and Publicity of the agency, Hassan Adekunle, said emergency responders arrived promptly after receiving a distress call from residents.
“The incident involved a residential building consisting of about eight-bedroom flats. The fire affected the sitting room and dining area of the building,” the statement read.
“Firefighters responded promptly to the distress call and successfully brought the fire under control, thereby preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building and nearby properties.”
According to the Fire Service, preliminary investigation showed that the outbreak was caused by a power surge.
Authorities also confirmed that no casualty or injury was recorded during the incident.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the cause of the fire was attributed to a power surge. No casualty was recorded during the incident,” the agency added.
Following the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service urged residents to observe safety precautions against electrical fires, especially during periods of unstable electricity supply.
He advised members of the public to switch off electrical appliances when not in use and ensure proper maintenance of electrical installations and fittings in their homes.
The Service also urged residents to promptly report fire emergencies to the nearest fire station for rapid response.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over fire outbreaks linked to electrical faults and voltage fluctuations in several Nigerian communities.
In April, a fire outbreak destroyed parts of a business plaza along Airport Road in Kano State, razing two hospital equipment shops before firefighters brought the situation under control.
Residents in parts of Ilorin have recently complained about recurring power fluctuations and sudden voltage spikes, which experts say can damage electrical appliances and increase the risk of fire outbreaks.
Although the fire at Oloje Housing Estate was contained before escalating into a major disaster, eyewitnesses said residents initially panicked as smoke spread through sections of the building before firefighters arrived.
The Kwara State Fire Service said public awareness and compliance with electrical safety measures remain critical to preventing similar incidents.
