Improperly Quenched Charcoal Suspected in Kwara Residential Fire

A residential building was partially destroyed by fire in the Eyenkorin area of Asa Local Government Area in Kwara State after a late-night blaze tore through parts of the property in the early hours of Sunday. The incident occurred at Tewo-Gbore Street, Ogele Ori-Sunbare, at about 12:38 a.m., according to the Kwara State Fire Service.

Emergency officials said the affected property comprised a room-and-parlour self-contained apartment alongside a two-bedroom flat.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the fire service, Hassan Adekunle, authorities confirmed that firefighters responded swiftly after receiving a distress call from residents in the area. The agency said the rapid deployment of emergency personnel prevented the flames from spreading to adjoining structures and significantly reduced the extent of destruction.

“Firefighters swiftly mobilised to the scene and through their timely and coordinated efforts successfully contained the fire and saved an adjoining building from being affected,” the statement said.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the fire service traced the cause of the incident to improperly extinguished charcoal stored near the residential building. Officials explained that sacks of charcoal had recently been unloaded in the area and residual heat from partially extinguished charcoal likely reignited after exposure to air.

“Findings indicated that sacks of charcoal had just been unloaded and part of the charcoal was not completely extinguished,” Adekunle stated.

“Upon exposure to air, the residual heat reignited and exacerbated the situation, resulting in the fire spreading to the building.”

Although no casualties were reported, the incident has renewed concerns over the storage and handling of combustible materials in residential environments.

Reacting to the development, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, warned charcoal dealers, transporters and residents against unsafe handling practices involving heat-retaining materials. He stressed the need for stricter safety precautions, particularly the importance of avoiding the storage of combustible substances close to homes and occupied buildings.

Muhammed also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly alert emergency responders whenever signs of fire outbreaks are detected.

Fire incidents linked to electrical faults, fuel storage and improperly handled combustible materials remain a recurring safety concern across several Nigerian communities, especially during periods of high temperatures and poor storage conditions.