Fire guts Anambra LG secretariat

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A section of the structure accommodating the Dunukofia Local Government Area secretariat in Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, has been engulfed in flames.

It was reported that bush burning near the local government building was the cause of the late-Wednesday fire outbreak.

Reports state that two separate fire outbreaks were also recorded at the Timber Market in Nnewi and behind the Sinai Gas Plant in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The Anambra State Fire Service members intervened to contain the fire, which broke out at various times on Tuesday and burned for hours.

The Anambra State Fire Chief, Martin Agbili, who confirmed Wednesday’s incident at the LG secretariat, said it started around 6:53 pm on Wednesday.

Agbili said, “At about 18:53hrs (6.53 pm) of Wednesday, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of a heavy fire outbreak at Dunukofia.

“Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and gallant Firefighters to the scene of the fire and fought, controlled and extinguished the fire.

“The cause of the fire was a bush fire which was started by unknown person(s) and encroached into the local government council secretariat.

“During the firefighting operations, we were able to control and extinguish the fire and prevent it from destroying a lot of things at the local government council.

“We withdrew from the fire scene at about 20:30hrs after fighting the fire to a standstill and calming the situation.

“It is also important that we clear all bushes around our environment, especially at this dry season and harmattan, to avoid ‘had I known’. Fire kills but you can prevent it.”