Citizens Cry Out: Anambra Fire Service Struggles To Contain Dangerous Fires

On Sunday evening, a fire damaged parts of the Practicing Primary School building within St. Stephen Anglican Church in Umubelu, Awka, Anambra State. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On Sunday evening, a fire damaged parts of the Practicing Primary School building within St. Stephen Anglican Church in Umubelu, Awka, Anambra State. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. It was determined that the fire originated from bush burning late on Saturday, affecting sections of the roofing materials of the school’s classroom blocks.

the fire spread for several minutes before the state fire service arrived and successfully prevented it from spreading to nearby structures.

According to the PUNCH, Chukwudi Chiketa, head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, confirmed the incident, stating that a team of firefighters and necessary equipment were promptly deployed to the scene. The fire was effectively fought and contained.

He said, “On Saturday, January 11, 2025, at approximately 4:40 PM, the Anambra State Fire Service received an emergency call reporting a bushfire outbreak at Practicing Primary School, located inside St. Stephen Anglican Church, Umubelu, Awka, Anambra State.

“Immediately, a crew of firefighters and firefighting equipment were dispatched, and the fire was successfully managed and contained. The bushfire affected parts of the school’s roofing materials, but the spread was halted by the efforts of Anambra’s firemen. No casualties were recorded, and firefighters left the scene by 5:45 PM.”

Chiketa advised residents to avoid activities that could ignite fires during the dry season, emphasizing the importance of clearing bushes and grasses in residential areas, workplaces, retail spaces, industrial sites, educational institutions, and places of worship.

In a related incident, a fire broke out at Lord’s Plaza in Onitsha Main Market, near Emeka Ofor, close to the United Bank of Africa. Although the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, two lock-up shops on the ground floor sustained damage.

The state fire service chief, who confirmed the incident, said, “Early in the morning at 6:10 AM, a woman rushed into one of the Anambra State Fire Service Stations situated in Onitsha Main Market, reporting an ongoing fire at the plaza.

“A crew of firefighters and necessary equipment were promptly deployed, and the fire was contained. Two lock-up shops on the ground floor were affected. Fortunately, no casualties occurred. The firemen returned to the station at 7:58 AM the same morning.

“Let’s remain fire-conscious. Fire can be prevented.”

Additionally, the Media and Publicity Unit of the state confirmed another fire incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Campus in Awka. The alert was received at approximately 4:05 PM on Friday, and a firefighting team was promptly dispatched to manage and contain the fire, with no damage or casualties recorded.