From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A laundry shop was gutted by fire in the early hours of Tuesday at Assu-Luxury Quarters in the Tanke area of Ilorin, but firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to adjoining residential apartments and nearby buildings.
The incident occurred at about 3:58 a.m. at the residential complex located along Play Sport, Al-Ameen Hostel, off University Road, Tanke.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after receiving a distress call and successfully contained the fire, which affected only the laundry shop attached to a building comprising eight rooms. The fire was brought under control at about 4:25 a.m., while firefighting operations ended around 4:42 a.m.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire was suspected to have been caused by a power surge, possibly involving a pressing iron left switched on for an extended period. Authorities said investigations were ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.
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The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, urged business owners, particularly laundry operators, to observe safety measures when using electrical appliances.
“Business owners, especially those operating laundry services, should ensure that electrical appliances are switched off immediately after use and never left unattended while powered,” he said.
Muhammed also advised residents and entrepreneurs to carry out regular electrical inspections, use certified electrical appliances and install surge protection devices to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kwara State Fire Service to safeguarding lives and property through prompt emergency response and sustained public sensitisation on fire prevention across the state.
