Three Fire in Three Days: Delta Fire Service Averts Major Disaster, No Casualties Recorded

 

By Stella Agbeyek

The Delta State Fire Service Command has successfully contained three major fire outbreaks in Asaba within a period of three days, preventing what could have been devastating losses and ensuring that no lives were lost in any of the incidents.

Reports from the Oshimili Fire Station indicate that the first incident occurred on July 16, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m. along the Asaba-Benin Expressway, off Ave Maria Avenue, Asaba, where a duplex building was engulfed by fire. Firefighters were mobilized within minutes, arriving at the scene under the supervision of DCF Ofili.

Through their swift intervention, the inferno was brought under control before it could spread to neighbouring properties. While no casualties were recorded, properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.

Less than twenty-four hours later, on July 17, at about 6:52 a.m., another distress call was received from Kowea Plaza, a popular shopping complex on Nnebisi Road, Asaba, where an electronics warehouse had caught fire. Firefighters responded promptly and successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to adjoining shops and businesses. Although no lives were lost, goods valued at millions of naira were destroyed in the incident.

The third fire outbreak occurred on July 18, at about 12:24 p.m., along Abuta Lane, Nnebisi Road, near Sterling Bank, Asaba, where a four-bedroom bungalow was affected by fire. Officers from the Oshimili Fire Station swiftly responded to the emergency and brought the situation under control, with no loss of life recorded.

Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Terry Etacherure, commended the courage, professionalism, and dedication of officers of the Delta State Fire Service Command for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Hon. Etacherure stated that the Delta State Government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, remains committed to strengthening emergency response services across the state through enhanced logistics, personnel support, and sustained public safety initiatives.

He also urged residents to adopt fire safety measures by ensuring regular maintenance of electrical installations, handling cooking gas with caution, and reporting fire emergencies promptly to enable firefighters to respond effectively.

Also speaking, the Director of the Delta State Fire Service Command, Dr. Eugene Oziwelle, described the absence of casualties in all three incidents as encouraging, attributing the successful outcomes to the prompt response of firefighters and the cooperation of residents.

Dr. Oziwelle advised residents and business owners to install fire extinguishers, adhere to basic fire prevention practices, and immediately alert the Fire Service whenever signs of fire are noticed.

He assured Deltans that fire personnel remain on constant alert to respond to emergencies across the state while intensifying public enlightenment campaigns on fire prevention and disaster preparedness.

Eyewitnesses at the affected locations commended the firefighters for their rapid response and determination despite the challenging circumstances. They noted that the emergency responders worked tirelessly to contain the fires and prevent the flames from spreading to neighbouring buildings, expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Delta State Fire Service Command.

Although the incidents resulted in significant property losses, the prompt intervention of firefighters prevented greater destruction and, most importantly, ensured that no lives were lost.

The Delta State Government has reiterated its appeal to residents to remain vigilant, observe fire safety regulations, and support emergency responders by reporting fire incidents without delay, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in reducing the impact of fire disasters across the state.