Two firefighters have been hospitalised after collapsing while responding to a fire incident that ravaged the upper floor of a three-storey residential building in the Ketu-Ikosi area of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said the fire broke out around 6:31 a.m. on Sunday at a twin three-storey building located on Ademola Taiwo Street.
According to the agency, the blaze was traced to an electrical surge from a prepaid meter, which sparked the fire before it spread to the top floor of the building.
LASEMA said emergency responders, working alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, swiftly contained the flames, preventing them from spreading to the adjoining building and nearby structures.
The agency’s spokesperson, Olawale Afolabi, said, “The incident involved one of a pair of twin three-storey residential buildings. Upon the arrival of the Tiger Squad, it was observed that the fire had engulfed the topmost floor of the affected building.
“Swift and coordinated firefighting operations were immediately commenced to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to the adjoining twin building and other nearby properties.”
He added that initial findings showed the fire started from an electrical surge involving the prepaid meter installed on the building’s front balcony.
Afolabi further disclosed that two firefighters collapsed while battling the blaze.
He said, “During the firefighting operation, two officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service collapsed while combating the fire.
“The agency’s Response Team promptly evacuated both officers to the Trauma Centre for immediate medical attention using the agency’s ambulance and a LASEMA Response Team vehicle.
“Both officers are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition.”
He noted that no resident was injured or killed in the incident.
“Fortunately, no loss of life or civilian injuries were recorded in the incident,” he said.
The agency said cooling operations were still ongoing to prevent the fire from reigniting, while officials continued to assess the extent of the damage.
Commending the emergency responders, Afolabi said, “LASEMA wishes to appreciate the professionalism and gallantry of all emergency responders, particularly the Tiger Squad and personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, whose swift intervention prevented what could have been a more devastating outcome.”
LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, urged residents to regularly inspect electrical installations, including prepaid meters and wiring, to minimise the risk of fire outbreaks caused by electrical faults. He also advised residents to contact emergency services through 112 or 767 whenever emergencies occur.
