Midnight power surge sparks fire in Ilorin apartments, firefighters avert disaster

A midnight fire believed to have been caused by a power surge destroyed two self-contained apartments in a residential complex opposite Metropolitan Square, off Asa-Dam Road in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Kwara State Fire Service said the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, but swift action by its personnel prevented the flames from spreading to neighbouring apartments and a nearby building.

In a statement issued by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, the fire service said it received an emergency call at about 2.27am.

According to him, “The agency received a distress call at about 2:27 a.m. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 2:35 a.m. and brought the fire under control by about 2:40 a.m.”

Adekunle explained that the affected property consisted of eight room-and-parlour self-contained apartments alongside a separate storey building containing four-bedroom flats. He noted that only two of the self-contained apartments were damaged, while the remaining units and the adjoining building were protected from the blaze.

He added, “Firefighters arrived at the scene at 02:35hrs and swiftly commenced firefighting operations. Through their prompt and professional response, the fire was successfully brought under control at about 02:40hrs, thereby preventing further destruction.”

The fire service said preliminary investigations indicated that an electrical power surge ignited combustible materials inside the affected apartments.

Following the incident, the Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, urged residents to take electrical safety more seriously to reduce the risk of similar outbreaks.

He said, “Residents should install surge protection devices and use only standard electrical fittings in their homes. Property owners should also carry out regular inspections and maintenance of electrical wiring and avoid overloading electrical outlets.”

Muhammed also appealed to residents to report fire incidents immediately, noting that early notification improves the chances of protecting lives and property.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to responding promptly to emergencies while continuing public awareness campaigns on fire prevention.

The latest fire comes less than a week after another power surge sparked a blaze in a 14-room residential building in Ilorin on 20 July. Firefighters contained that incident before it spread to nearby properties.