Oyo State Fire Services contain blaze on Togunde Street; agency urges residents to adopt safety precautions

A fire outbreak on Saturday night gutted a mechanic workshop on Togunde Street in the Akingbade Area along Old Ife Road, Gbagi, Ibadan, destroying four vehicles and a container. The Oyo State Fire Services Agency confirmed the incident, which occurred around 9:16 p.m., adding that emergency responders were deployed immediately following a distress call from the area.

According to the agency, firefighters led by a Chief Fire Superintendent arrived at the scene to find flames had already engulfed several vehicles and a container within the premises. The team, working alongside personnel from the Federal Fire Service, Ibadan Command, successfully brought the inferno under control and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

Preliminary findings by fire officials revealed that sparks from a vehicle’s engine compartment ignited combustible materials inside the workshop, resulting in significant damage. The incident highlights ongoing concerns over fire safety at workshops and business premises across Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

Speaking after the incident, Dr Moroof Akinwande, Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, called on residents to prioritise safety measures in their homes and workplaces. “We urge all citizens to be vigilant and take proactive steps to prevent fire disasters, especially as we approach periods of increased risk,” he said.

The agency reiterated its commitment to rapid response but emphasised that community awareness remains critical in reducing property loss. No casualties were reported in this incident. Authorities have encouraged business owners and residents to ensure proper maintenance of electrical systems and safe storage of flammable materials.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/fire-razes-mechanic-workshop-in-ibadan-shop-in-ogbomoso/