A residential building located along Nkisi Aroli Street, behind St. Charles College in Onitsha, Anambra State, was severely damaged by fire on Tuesday, prompting renewed calls for better urban planning and emergency access.
According to reports, the fire erupted from one end of the building and rapidly spread, engulfing the entire structure before firefighters arrived. Although no lives were lost, significant property damage was recorded.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with residents scrambling to contain the blaze and assist fire personnel who struggled to reach the building due to obstructed access roads and difficult terrain.
“The fire started suddenly and quickly escalated. The firefighters faced serious challenges because the area is congested and inaccessible to their trucks,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Anambra State Fire Service, through its Media and Publicity Unit led by Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed that two firefighting units and trucks were dispatched after a distress call was received.
“Due to poor road access and the dense layout of the area, our trucks couldn’t get close to the building. Firefighters had to connect hoses across a long distance—approximately four utility poles—to battle the flames,” Chiketa said.
Despite the obstacles, the fire was eventually brought under control. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
The fire service used the incident to highlight the ongoing risk posed by poorly planned urban areas. “This situation underscores the urgent need for proper access roads in residential zones. Communities must prioritise emergency access routes to support timely intervention during crises,” Chiketa added.
He also urged community leaders, landlords, and residents to work with authorities to ensure safer environments, warning that blocked or narrow roads continue to hinder emergency response in many urban centres across the state.
