By Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Ilorin residents, recently experienced two separate fire incidents within a short span, but prompt action by the Kwara State Fire Service prevented major disasters.
On Friday night, parts of Kunzol Multi-Sector Nigeria Limited, a yam flour and gari processing factory in the Kilanko–Agbonka area of Ilorin South, were razed by fire around 10:10pm.
According to PFO Hassan Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity for the Fire Service, the blaze was triggered by leftover fire remnants that ignited combustible materials within the facility.
Firefighters, led by the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, acted quickly to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby structures.
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“Our timely response prevented what could have been a larger tragedy for the entire community,” he said.
He further advised factory operators and business owners to ensure all heat sources are completely extinguished after daily operations, highlighting negligence with fire remnants as a leading cause of industrial fires.
Less than six hours later, residents along Opomalu Road in Ilorin East, were awaken by sirens as an early-morning fire erupted at Unik AJ Prints, a printing facility.
The blaze, which started around 3:15am, engulfed a storey building housing two large production halls, damaging printing machines and other materials. Preliminary investigations suggest that a spark from the facility’s inverter system ignited nearby combustible items.
Prince Olumuyiwa, urged business owners and residents to exercise caution with inverter and solar power systems, recommending that such equipment be installed in protected, well-insulated spaces to reduce fire risks. “Creating isolated environments fortified with firewalls and fire-retardant materials significantly reduces risks,” he noted.
In both incidents, the Fire Service’s prompt interventions prevented the flames from spreading to neighboring structures. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State.
