How LASEMA, others averted wider mechanic village fire disaster

But for the quick intervention of the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA) and other agencies, the Sunday fire outbreak at Aswani Mechanic Village, Isolo, Lagos, would have wreaked serious havoc.

Confirming the incident, a statement signed by LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the incident was reported at 12:26 P.M. The LASEMA Eagle Response Team from Cappa, in conjunction with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and LRU Fire, were immediately deployed to the scene and arrived within 15 minutes.

“Upon arrival, responders met a fire that had gutted some shops within the mechanic village. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was triggered by a power surge. The inferno affected six shops. Fortunately, no vehicles were affected, and no lives were lost, LASEMA PS said.

He further confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the incident, with all traders and artisans within the immediate area safely evacuated.

Though six shops were lost to the fire, the prompt intervention prevented the spread to adjoining workshops and saved other properties within the village.

Oke-Osanyintolu further confirmed that the fire was subdued through the collaborative efforts of LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and LRU Fire.

“Dampening down operations are currently ongoing at the scene to ensure the fire does not reignite and to secure the area for safety assessments.

“The swift action of responders also ensured that the fire was contained before it could spread to other shops, thereby minimising the extent of damage,” the PS said.

The situation is now under control. Recovery and mop-up operations are ongoing at the affected section of Aswani Mechanic Village. The area has been secured to allow traders and relevant agencies to commence damage assessment.

While commending the professionalism, speed, and inter-agency synergy displayed by all responders in managing the incident, the Lagos State Government reminded all market and workshop operators of the need to strictly adhere to electrical safety standards, avoid overloading circuits, and ensure that fire extinguishers are installed and serviced regularly within their facilities.

” Compliance with safety regulations issued by the Lagos State Safety Commission is critical to preventing future occurrences.

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and to report any emergency promptly by dialling the Lagos State Emergency Toll-Free Lines 112 / 767,” Oke-Osanyintolu concluded.