Fire guts plastic factory in Anambra

A devastating fire broke out at a plastic manufacturing company located along Umuoji Road, Nkpor, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, destroying part of the structure as well as goods and property worth several millions of naira.

Although no casualty was recorded, it was gathered that the fire, which occurred late on Saturday, was caused by welding activities carried out within the company premises during the day.

Among the goods and property damaged by the fire were raw materials used for plastic production, parts of the building, production machines, finished plastic products, and some chemical drums within the premises.

Some eyewitnesses near the complex said the fire raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived, battled the blaze, and prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings.

“The fire started from a corner of the complex before thick smoke engulfed a large section of the vicinity. It burnt for several minutes before the arrival of firefighters,” an eyewitness said.

 Confirming the incident, the Head of Media and Publicity for the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said a crew and firefighting equipment were swiftly deployed following a distress call.

Chiketa said that upon arrival, the firefighting team engaged the blaze with courage and professionalism, battling the fire continuously until it was finally brought under control.

The statement read, “The Anambra State Fire Service has successfully contained a fire outbreak at a plastic manufacturing company located along Umuoji Road, Nkpor, in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State.

“The fire service received a distress call at about 1720 hours on Saturday, May 16, 2026, concerning the incident, and gallant firefighters were immediately mobilised to the scene.

“Upon arrival, the firefighting team engaged the blaze with courage and professionalism, battling the fire continuously until it was finally brought under control.

“The fire affected some raw materials used for plastic production, parts of the building, production machines, finished plastic products, and some chemical drums within the premises.

“However, due to the swift intervention of the firefighters, substantial properties and equipment were saved from destruction. Thankfully, no life was lost during the incident.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire outbreak was caused by welding activities carried out within the company premises during the day.”

He urged members of the public to remain safety-conscious at all times, adding that welding operations and other heat-related industrial activities should be carried out with extreme caution and under proper safety measures to prevent avoidable fire disasters.

“The fire service further commends its officers and men for their bravery, professionalism, and commitment to duty in protecting lives and property.

“The firefighters withdrew from the scene at about 0520 hours on Sunday morning, May 17, 2026,” the statement concluded.