The Delta State Fire and Command has successfully responded to two separate fire incidents in Asaba and Sapele, preventing further destruction and recording no loss of life in either case.
According to an official incident report released by the Delta State Fire Service Command, the first fire occurred at a three-bedroom bungalow located along Okpanam Road, opposite Rain Oil, Asaba.
The Oshimili Fire Station received a distress call and immediately mobilized firefighters emergency crew, led by District Chief Fire Officer (DCF) Ofili, arrived at the scene and commenced firefighting operations turning out the inferno.
Although the bungalow was affected by the blaze, firefighters worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
In a separate incident on the same day, firefighters from the Sapele Fire Station responded to a fire outbreak at Sapele Market.
The operation was led by Chief Inspector of Fire (CIF) Tamigbe F., and no casualties were recorded. Prompt intervention by firefighters helped to prevent the fire from escalating and threatening a larger section of the busy market.
Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Terry Etacherure, commended the professionalism, courage, and commitment displayed by officers of the Delta State Fire Command in responding swiftly to both emergencies.
He said the absence of casualties in the two incidents demonstrates the importance of timely emergency response and urged residents to promptly report fire outbreaks to the nearest fire station to minimize damage to lives and property.
Hon. Etacherure also appealed to members of the public to make fire prevention a daily priority by ensuring that electrical installations are properly maintained, avoiding the use of substandard electrical appliances, switching off electrical equipment when not in use, and keeping flammable materials away from potential sources of ignition.
Similarly, the Director of the Delta State Fire Service Command, Dr. Eugene Oziwelle, advised residents, traders, and business owners to adopt a stronger culture of fire safety.
Dr. Oziwelle emphasized that many fire incidents are preventable when people observe basic safety rules. He urged property owners to engage qualified electricians for all wiring and electrical repairs, avoid overloading electrical sockets and extension boxes, regularly inspect electrical systems for faults, and install functional fire extinguishers in homes, offices, shops, and markets.
He also encouraged market associations and residential communities to organize regular fire safety awareness programmes and ensure that emergency access routes remain clear to enable firefighters to respond quickly whenever emergencies occur.
The Director further reminded the public that early notification remains one of the most effective ways of reducing fire damage, stressing that people should immediately contact the Delta State Fire and Rescue Service at the first sign of smoke or fire rather than attempting to tackle large fires without professional assistance.
The Delta State Fire Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state while calling on all residents to remain vigilant and embrace preventive safety measures to reduce the occurrence of fire disasters.
