An early Thursday morning fire has razed several shops in a three-storey commercial building near Nodu Market, behind Juhel Pharmaceutical Company in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The inferno, which eyewitnesses say destroyed goods worth millions of naira, was eventually contained by operatives of the Anambra State Fire Service. No casualties were recorded.
Although the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest it may have started after a resident allegedly fell asleep while cooking.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the fire burned for several minutes before firefighters arrived to stop it from spreading to nearby structures. When our reporter visited the scene on Friday morning, several shop owners were seen salvaging what remained of their goods.
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Confirming the incident, the Head of Media and Publicity for the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters were immediately dispatched after receiving a distress call, adding that two persons trapped upstairs were rescued.
According to him, “Firefighters launched a rapid and coordinated attack on the blaze. Although the cause is yet to be confirmed, it was alleged that the fire started after an occupant fell asleep while cooking. Two people trapped in the flat were safely rescued.”
He noted that despite the successful response, firefighters faced major challenges, including a narrow access road and a tight internal staircase, which slowed movement and made it difficult to deploy equipment.
Chiketa urged residents to prioritise fire safety by keeping access roads clear, avoiding blocked corridors, and ensuring buildings have adequate escape routes. He also warned against unattended cooking and unsafe electrical practices.
The Anambra State Fire Service commended residents who supported firefighters during the operation, saying their cooperation contributed significantly to containing the Awka fire outbreak.
