We Lacked Water To Quench Fire That Razed 4 Lagos Buildings – NEMA
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has regretted that it’s firefighters were unable to Quench Fire that razed four buildings on Wednesday in the Idumota area of the Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos state owing to lack of water supply.
Speaking to newsmen, NEMA State Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, said there was no water source within proximity of the fire incident, thereby forcing the fire vehicles to go in turn to get water.
In Farinloye’s words;
“The major problem we had today was the lack of a water source. We have over 10 firefighting appliances and in the whole of Lagos Island, there is nowhere we can source water. So, each of these firefighting appliances had to go about three to four times to fetch water.
“Julius Berger also had to supply us with 30,000 litres of water. Both the Federal Fire Service and the State Fire Service were on the ground, but there was not enough water.”
He added;
The traders should be able to help by contributions so that they can drill a borehole or a fire hydrant section close to the market.
Also, they should get some people for us who will be trained as fire marshals so that whenever there is a fire incident, these people can quickly attend to the fire. They should also ensure to insure their goods.”
Meanwhile, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, blamed the fire incident on negligence on the part of traders and presence of combustible materials in the area.
“An update on the fire emergency in Docemo reveals a significant reduction in the intensity of the blaze.
“The affected properties are identified as house numbers 47, 49, and 51.
“Tragically, house number 49 has collapsed due to the fire’s intensity and the close proximity of buildings. Additionally, the fire spread to house number 53.
“The root cause of the fire has been determined to be negligence, compounded by the presence of combustible materials within the vicinity.
“The fire quickly spread to neighbouring properties, including houses 47 and 51, where various goods such as decorations and lighters were stored. Prompt action by firefighting teams prevented further escalation and facilitated the extinguishing of the flames.
“The collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including the Federal Fire Service, NPA Fire Service, LASEMA, LASAMBUS, Nigeria Police Force, LNSC, CBD Men, and Julius Berger, played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the situation,” Adeseye said.
