By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Anambra State Fire Service has successfully contained a fire outbreak at the Federal Secretariat in Awka, preventing the incident from spreading to other parts of the facility.
The fire reportedly started at about 3 p.m. on Tuesday and affected a store and an adjoining office occupied by staff of Corixus of Nigeria, a pharmaceutical company.
Director of the Anambra State Fire Service, Engr. Chiketa Chukwudemanuel, said firefighters responded promptly after receiving the distress call and quickly brought the situation under control.
He estimated the value of the property saved from destruction at more than N200 billion, while putting the damage caused by the fire at approximately N1 million.
According to him, the exact cause of the outbreak is yet to be established, although a power surge is suspected. He added that investigations were ongoing to determine what triggered the fire.
Chukwudemanuel also advised offices, businesses and households to keep functional fire extinguishers and ensure that occupants are properly trained on how to use them.
He explained that fire extinguishers are most effective when deployed at the early stage of a fire, stressing that prompt action can prevent minor incidents from developing into major disasters.
The Anambra State Public Relations Officer of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Anthony Obiora, said workers at the secretariat initially attempted to put out the fire but encountered difficulties because they were not adequately familiar with the operation of the available extinguishers.
Obiora urged workers and members of the public to immediately contact the Fire Service whenever a fire outbreak occurs, rather than attempting to handle a rapidly spreading fire without adequate knowledge or equipment.
The fire has since been extinguished, while authorities continue investigations into its cause.
