Property valued at millions of naira was destroyed on Friday when a fire gutted three vehicles and a community power house at a filling station in the Kara area of Kishi, Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State.
An eyewitness told our correspondent on Saturday that the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. following an explosion in the power house, which ignited nearby flammable materials and spread to adjoining property.
Findings revealed that the affected vehicles included a Volvo truck with registration number AGG Lagos 731 GB, a Golf 3 with registration number KUT 403 AP, and an empty DAF truck with registration number GB0 14 AB.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Moroof Akinwande, said the fire was reported at exactly 5:21 p.m. on Friday, January 9.
According to him, firefighters led by Assistant Fire Superintendent Akande E. O. were immediately deployed to the scene upon receiving the distress call.
“On arrival, the power house and three vehicles—a Volvo truck, a Golf 3, and an empty DAF truck—were already engulfed in flames,” Akinwande said.
He explained that the fire was swiftly brought under control, preventing it from spreading to the main filling station and nearby buildings.
“No casualties were recorded, although property worth millions of naira was lost. The prompt response of the fire service helped save the filling station, surrounding structures, and other valuables from further damage,” he added.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the blaze was triggered by an explosion in the power house, which ignited combustible materials in the area.
Akinwande urged filling station operators across the state to prioritise fire safety and strictly adhere to safety regulations. He also stressed the importance of installing fire extinguishers in commercial premises and homes to help curb fire outbreaks at an early stage.
Residents were advised to promptly report fire emergencies through the agency’s emergency lines: 08067439223, 08054353501, or the toll-free number 615.