Photos: Fire Guts Section Of Tejuosho Wooden Market In Lagos
On Wednesday, a significant fire incident ravaged a section of the Tejuosho wooden market in Lagos State, causing substantial damage to properties and goods. The fire broke out around noon, prompting a swift response from emergency services, including operatives of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Director-General of LASEMA, provided details about the incident in an official statement. He confirmed that, fortunately, no lives were lost in the blaze. “Upon arrival at the incident scene, it was discovered that several wooden shanties along the Tejuosho canal (comprising shops and residences) were gutted by fire,” the statement read. The inferno wreaked havoc on the area, consuming numerous wooden structures and the belongings within them.
Investigations conducted at the scene revealed that the fire originated in one of the rooms where a community member had been cooking and left the meal unattended. This oversight led to the fire quickly spreading through the densely packed wooden shanties along the canal. The wooden construction of these shanties made them particularly vulnerable, allowing the flames to spread rapidly and engulf several structures within a short time.
Further details from the investigation indicated that the fire, once started, moved swiftly, igniting several adjoining wooden blocks. Despite the potential for a catastrophic spread, the situation was contained effectively by the emergency responders. The quick and coordinated efforts of LASEMA and other firefighting units were crucial in preventing the fire from reaching nearby significant buildings such as the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) premises, Oba Tejuosho House, and several other residential estates in the vicinity.
Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu praised the prompt action of the emergency teams, which ensured that the fire was controlled and ultimately extinguished without causing injuries or fatalities. “Fortunately, no injuries were sustained, and no loss of life,” he noted. This outcome, despite the destruction of properties and goods, underscores the efficiency of the emergency response and the importance of having well-prepared teams to handle such disasters.
The incident at Tejuosho wooden market serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fire in densely populated market areas, especially those constructed with highly flammable materials like wood. It highlights the need for increased awareness and precautionary measures among residents and traders to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Ensuring that cooking and other fire-related activities are monitored closely can significantly reduce the risk of such devastating fires.
In conclusion, while the fire at Tejuosho wooden market resulted in considerable material loss, the absence of casualties is a testament to the effective response by LASEMA and other emergency services. The incident calls for continued vigilance and improved fire safety practices to protect lives and properties in Lagos State’s bustling market areas.
