Fire engulfs popular market in Kano, destroys shops, offices

A fire outbreak on Thursday night has destroyed several shops and offices along Murtala Mohammed Way in the Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

The incident, which happened near the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) area, reportedly started from a salvage yard popularly called the Takumbo Market before spreading to nearby buildings and causing widespread damage.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the fire quickly extended to adjoining properties, affecting several business premises before it was eventually brought under control.

According to the statement, the Fire Service received a distress call at about 10:54 p.m. from one of its personnel, HFS Ibrahim Sabo, reporting the incident.

Firefighters from the Service Headquarters and other metropolitan fire stations were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the blaze.

The statement said that, upon arrival, firefighters found a one-storey building and an adjoining commercial area measuring about 300 by 200 feet engulfed in flames.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from the salvage yard, where a large quantity of goods and property was destroyed before the flames spread to nearby buildings.

The fire affected the upper floor of the Kanawa Building, destroying two offices, two parlours, two toilets, and a kitchen.

It also damaged two stores located on the ground floor of TUSRAYS Nigeria Limited.

The Fire Service attributed the incident to an electrical spark.

The Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, urged residents and business owners to observe safety measures to prevent fire disasters.

“Members of the public should take all necessary precautions to prevent fire outbreaks. Electrical installations should be properly maintained and safety measures strictly observed,” he said.

Anas also advised residents to promptly report fire incidents to the nearest fire station to enable emergency responders to intervene before the situation escalates.

“We appeal to the public to immediately alert the Fire Service whenever there is a fire outbreak. Early reporting helps to minimise damage and save lives and property,” he added.

No casualties were recorded in the incident as of the time of filing this report.

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