LASEMA blames meter power surge for Lagos building fire

An electrical surge from a prepaid meter triggered a fire that gutted the top floor of a three-storey residential building in Ketu-Ikosi, Lagos, leaving two firefighters hospitalised after they collapsed during the rescue operation.

The spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olawale Afolabi, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the fire began at about 6:31 am.

Afolabi stated that the fire, which affected one of a pair of twin three-storey residential buildings at No. 11, Ademola Taiwo Street, Ketu-Ikosi, was caused by an electrical surge from a prepaid meter.

He noted that collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service swiftly brought the inferno under control, preventing it from spreading to the adjoining building and nearby properties.

Afolabi stated, “The incident involved one of a pair of twin three-storey residential buildings. Upon the arrival of the Tiger Squad, it was observed that the fire had engulfed the topmost floor of the affected building.

“Swift and coordinated firefighting operations were immediately commenced to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to the adjoining twin building and other nearby properties.”

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was triggered by “an electrical surge from the prepaid meter located at the front section of the building’s balcony before extending to the topmost floor.”

He disclosed that two personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service collapsed while combating the blaze.

He continued, “During the firefighting operation, two officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service collapsed while combating the fire.

“The Agency’s Response Team promptly evacuated both officers to the Trauma Centre for immediate medical attention using the Agency’s ambulance and a LASEMA Response Team vehicle.

“Both officers are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition.”

The agency, however, said no casualties or injuries were recorded in the incident.

“Fortunately, no loss of life or civilian injuries were recorded in the incident,” he stated.

The spokesperson said dampening-down operations were ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent a fresh outbreak, while recovery operations were also underway to secure the building and assess the extent of damage.

“LASEMA wishes to appreciate the professionalism and gallantry of all emergency responders, particularly the Tiger Squad and personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, whose swift intervention prevented what could have been a more devastating outcome,” the statement added.

Reacting, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, urged residents to regularly inspect and maintain electrical installations, especially prepaid meters and wiring, to prevent electrical surges that could lead to fire outbreaks.

He also advised members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with emergency personnel, urging residents to call the Lagos State emergency toll-free lines 112 or 767 in the event of emergencies.

PidomNigeria Metro reported on June 19 that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service extinguished a fire incident at the Polaris Bank Building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, preventing what could have been a major escalation in the commercial hub.

The incident had occurred on the third floor of the 17-storey building, which also serves as a parking facility.

The state Fire Service Controller General, Margaret Adeseye, had confirmed that the fire involved a stationary saloon car parked on the third floor of the building.