Fire guts Kano market, destroys massive properties

A late-night fire outbreak has destroyed several offices, shops and other property along Murtala Mohammed Way in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

The incident occurred on Thursday night near First City Monument Bank and reportedly started from a salvage yard popularly known as Takumbo Market before spreading to nearby buildings.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi.

According to the statement, the Fire Service received a distress call at about 10:54 p.m. from one of its personnel, HFS Ibrahim Sabo, who reported the outbreak.

Firefighters from the Service Headquarters and other metropolitan fire stations were immediately mobilised to the scene to bring the situation under control.

The statement said that on arrival, the firefighters met a one-storey building and an adjoining commercial area measuring about 300 by 200 feet already engulfed by fire.

Preliminary investigation showed that the fire started from the salvage yard, where a large quantity of goods and property was destroyed before it spread to adjoining structures.

The fire also affected the upper floor of the Kanawa Building, destroying two offices, two parlours, two toilets and a kitchen.

Two stores on the ground floor of TUSRAYS Nigeria Limited were also damaged.

The Kano State Fire Service attributed the cause of the fire to an electrical spark.

The Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, urged residents and business owners to take fire safety seriously, especially around electrical installations.

“Members of the public should take all necessary precautions to prevent fire outbreaks. Electrical installations should be properly maintained and safety measures strictly observed,” he said.

Anas also advised residents to report fire incidents promptly to the nearest fire station to enable emergency responders to act quickly.

“We appeal to the public to immediately alert the Fire Service whenever there is a fire outbreak. Early reporting helps to minimise damage and save lives and property,” he added.

No casualty was recorded in the incident as of the time of filing this report.