The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has contained a fire outbreak at Akanimodo Market in Mile 12, Lagos, and cleared two broken-down trucks from separate locations across the state.
No casualties were recorded in the fire incident or either of the truck-related emergencies, the agency said.
In a statement, LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency activated its Tiger Response Team from C3 at about 2:14 p.m. following reports of the market fire.
The team arrived at the scene 16 minutes after receiving the alert.
Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the fire affected shanties occupied mainly by plastic recycling operators. Some workers also used the structures as residential accommodation.
He said the buildings, constructed largely with combustible materials such as wooden planks, contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Traders and other residents initially attempted to contain the fire before the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived.
However, congestion and limited access to the affected section initially prevented the responding fire truck from reaching the scene.
Firefighters eventually gained access and joined the operation, while LASEMA coordinated activities among the emergency responders.
About 90 per cent of the fire had been brought under control at the time of the report. Emergency personnel continued dampening-down operations to extinguish remaining flames and prevent another outbreak.
The agency said the cause of the fire remained unknown, while officials continued assessing the affected area and the extent of the damage.
LASEMA Clears Broken-Down Trucks
In a separate incident, LASEMA’s Beta Response Team from Igando responded to a broken-down truck at Idimu, inward Egbeda, at about 12:32 a.m.
The truck, whose registration number was not immediately available, reportedly developed a steering system fault and obstructed traffic in both directions.
LASEMA said its team worked with the police to move the vehicle off the carriageway, restoring normal traffic flow.
Similarly, the agency’s Lion Squad from Agbowa responded to another broken-down truck at Odo-Ayandelu, inward Shagamu Road, Agbowa, at about 11:58 a.m.
The truck, with registration number OED-138XB, was carrying bags of cement when it developed a flat tyre.
With assistance from the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, responders replaced the damaged tyre and enabled the vehicle to continue its journey.
LASEMA Issues Fire Safety Advisory
Oke-Osanyintolu urged traders and residents to observe fire safety regulations and avoid storing combustible materials in residential spaces.
He also advised residents to ensure the proper handling of electrical installations to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks.
