A timber market in Nnewi and a gas plant in Awka, both in Anambra State, have been gutted by fire.
It took Anambra State Fire Service hours to put out the two fire outbreaks which occurred on Tuesday.
Daily Trust learnt that the gas explosion was caused by bush burning behind the plant.
Our correspodent gathered that the Nnewi inferno started around 11am from a heap of sawdust in the market.
Eyewitnesses said the fire nearly spread to the entire market but for the quick response of the firefighters.
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The inferno behind the gas plant in Awka occurred around 9pm and the state fire men responded quickly to prevent it from extending to the surrounding buildings.
The state Fire Chief, Dr. Martin Agbili, who confirmed the incidents, said no life was lost in the incidents.
According to him, the inferno caused serious panic within the environs.
He said, “At about 2122hrs (9.22pm) of Tuesday, 06-02-2024, Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call of a heavy fire outbreak behind SINAI Gas plant, Awka. Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and gallant firefighters to the scene and extinguished the fire.
“It was caused by bush fire which was started by unknown person(s). During the firefighting operations, we were able to control the fire and saved the gas plant and no life was lost.
“We withdrew from the fire scene at about 2241hrs (10.41pm) after fighting it to standstill and calming the situation. It is also important that we clear all bushes around our environment especially at this dry season and harmattan.”
On the Nnewi timber market inferno, Agbili said, “At about 1130hrs (11:30am) Tuesday, 06-02-2024, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of a fire outbreak at Timber Market, Nnewi. Immediately, we deployed our fire trucks and gallant firefighters to the scene to fight, control and extinguish the fire.
“The cause of the fire outbreak is unknown but it emanated from the gully heap of sawdust which threw smoke that covered the market but no life was lost. The timber market was completely saved due to timely intervention of our firefighters. The heavy fire was battled till about 1740hrs (5.40pm).”
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