A fire broke out at SPAR Calabar Mall in Cross River State on Saturday morning, August 22, 2026. The incident reportedly followed an explosion at the shopping complex.

Thick smoke rose from the mall as emergency efforts began. The fire also caused panic among people around the area.

Explosion Reportedly Triggered Fire

Early reports linked the fire to what some people described as a minor gas or fuel explosion. However, authorities have not confirmed the cause of the incident.

Videos and photographs from the scene showed flames affecting part of the mall. People also gathered outside the complex as emergency teams worked to control the fire.

The exact point where the fire started remains unclear. Authorities are expected to examine the site as part of efforts to establish what caused the reported explosion.

Extent of Damage Remains Unknown

The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear. It was also not known how many shops, facilities or goods the fire may have affected.

There were no confirmed reports of deaths or injuries as of the time of filing this report. Officials have yet to provide a full account of the incident.

The situation also raised concerns among businesses operating within the shopping complex. A major fire can disrupt commercial activity and cause losses for retailers, property owners and other businesses.

Fire Safety and Commercial Buildings

The incident highlights the importance of fire safety in large commercial properties. Shopping malls often receive large numbers of visitors each day. They therefore require reliable fire detection and emergency systems.

Building owners and facility managers must keep fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency exits and other safety systems in good working order. Regular inspections can also help identify risks before they become serious incidents.

Fire safety also matters during the design and construction of commercial buildings. Developers must consider safe evacuation routes and other measures that can protect people during emergencies.

Implications for Real Estate and Infrastructure

The fire also brings attention to the wider issue of safety in Nigeria’s commercial real estate sector. Modern retail centres form an important part of urban infrastructure. Their safety can affect businesses, workers, shoppers and surrounding communities.

Property managers also play an important role after construction. They must maintain safety equipment and ensure that staff understand emergency procedures.

For developers and investors, building safety remains an important part of responsible property management. Strong safety systems can help protect lives, property and business operations.

Investigation Expected

Authorities are expected to investigate the reported explosion and fire at SPAR Calabar Mall. The investigation should help establish the cause of the incident and determine the extent of the damage.

Further details are expected as emergency agencies and relevant authorities assess the affected facility.

The incident serves as a reminder that fire prevention and emergency preparedness remain important parts of managing commercial buildings. Strong safety measures can help reduce risks and protect people and property when emergencies occur.

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A potentially devastating fire disaster was prevented in Ilorin, Kwara State, after firefighters responded swiftly to a petrol tanker crash at a filling station, successfully containing the incident before it escalated into a major explosion. The prompt intervention helped protect lives, nearby businesses, and surrounding properties from extensive damage.

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the tanker, carrying approximately 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), developed a mechanical fault while in transit before crashing near a filling station along the Oko-Olowo Expressway in Ilorin. Emergency responders arrived promptly after receiving a distress call and immediately commenced firefighting operations.

Firefighters successfully contained the fuel spill and extinguished the fire before it could spread to the filling station or nearby structures. Their timely response prevented what authorities described as a potential large-scale disaster in the busy commercial area. No fatalities were recorded during the incident, although traffic was temporarily disrupted while emergency operations were underway.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service commended the professionalism and rapid response of emergency personnel, noting that adherence to safety procedures played a crucial role in preventing a catastrophic explosion. He also urged motorists transporting petroleum products to ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on journeys to reduce the risk of similar incidents.

Safety experts have repeatedly warned that mechanical failures, poor vehicle maintenance, and inadequate compliance with transport safety regulations remain major contributors to tanker-related accidents across Nigeria. They called for stricter enforcement of road safety standards, regular vehicle inspections, and improved emergency preparedness to minimise future incidents.

The incident underscores the importance of efficient emergency response systems and continued investment in fire safety infrastructure to safeguard communities, critical facilities, and commercial centres from fire-related disasters

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A fire outbreak on Friday affected a section of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, prompting the swift deployment of emergency responders to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.

The cause of the fire had not been officially established as of press time, while firefighters and other emergency personnel were seen battling the flames to bring the situation under control.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the affected section of the hospital, triggering concern among patients, visitors and healthcare workers within the facility.

Authorities had yet to confirm whether any casualties or injuries were recorded in the incident. The extent of damage to hospital infrastructure and medical equipment also remained unclear at the time of filing this report.

Investigation underway

Officials are expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the affected area once the fire is completely extinguished.

The investigation will seek to determine the cause of the outbreak and evaluate the extent of losses incurred by the hospital.

Hospital management had not issued a detailed statement on the incident as of press time, although efforts were ongoing to secure the facility and ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Hospital faced scrutiny in 2025

The latest incident comes nearly a year after FMC Jabi attracted national attention over allegations of negligence involving members of its emergency unit.

In June 2025, the Federal Government ordered an investigation following the circulation of a viral video showing accident victims allegedly left unattended after being brought to the hospital by a good Samaritan.

The incident sparked widespread public outrage and renewed discussions about emergency healthcare delivery in public hospitals.

Following the controversy, hospital management launched an internal probe and maintained that the emergency department had adequate medical supplies and patient-care equipment. The Federal Ministry of Health also directed an independent investigation into the matter.

Rising concerns over fire incidents

The fire at FMC Jabi adds to a series of fire outbreaks recorded in the Federal Capital Territory in recent months.

Earlier incidents affected parts of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Karimo Market and other commercial areas in Abuja, resulting in significant property losses and renewed concerns about fire safety compliance.

In December 2025, a major fire also destroyed goods and structures at the popular wood market behind Jabi Upstairs before emergency responders successfully contained the blaze.

Calls for improved safety measures

The recurring incidents have intensified calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in public institutions and critical infrastructure across the FCT.

Safety experts continue to advocate regular electrical inspections, routine emergency drills, functional firefighting equipment and stronger compliance with fire prevention protocols, particularly in hospitals, markets and government facilities.

As emergency personnel continued efforts to contain the fire, residents and stakeholders expressed hope that authorities would swiftly determine the cause of the incident and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

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A late-night fire outbreak has destroyed property worth about ₦350 million at De Bently Hotel, after flames engulfed the four-storey building in Nigeria’s capital city.

The (FFS) confirmed that the incident occurred on March 9, 2026, at the hotel located in the area of .

Firefighters contain blaze

In a statement issued Tuesday by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, , the fire was reported at about 8:28 pm, prompting an immediate response from firefighters.

Personnel from the were quickly deployed and arrived at the scene by 8:38 pm to begin firefighting operations.

The response was led by the Controller General of the Fire Service, , who personally coordinated the emergency operation.

Firefighters used multiple water jets, appliances, and tenders to suppress the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.

Property worth ₦650m saved

According to the Fire Service, the estimated value of property at the hotel facility was about ₦1 billion.

Emergency responders were able to save property worth approximately ₦650 million, while about ₦350 million was destroyed by the fire.

Fortunately, officials confirmed that no deaths or injuries were recorded during the incident.

Possible gas explosion suspected

Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have been triggered by a gas explosion, although investigators say the exact cause has not yet been determined.

Police patrol teams and additional firefighting units were deployed to the scene to provide security and operational support during the emergency.

Investigation underway

The Fire Service has since deployed a team of investigators to determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

Authorities also urged hotel operators, businesses, and members of the public to comply with fire safety regulations, particularly when handling gas cylinders and other flammable materials.

Officials stressed that early reporting of emergencies can significantly reduce damage during fire outbreaks.

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the demolition of the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, following a devastating fire that gutted the building.

Governor Sanwo-Olu visited the scene on Thursday, confirming that a committee led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, will determine the safest and fastest method for demolition. The building will be brought down once the fire is fully extinguished.

Fire Origin and Impact

Preliminary findings indicate that the building, originally designed for office use, had been converted into a warehouse. Most floors stored highly combustible materials, which intensified the fire. Reports show the blaze began on the fourth and fifth floors before spreading rapidly to the upper levels late Wednesday night.

“This building has a history of fire incidents. Its current use as a warehouse storing flammable materials made firefighting extremely difficult,” the governor said. Despite the intensity, there were no fatalities. Between seven and ten people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital under the care of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) ambulances.

Partial Collapse and Demolition Plan

Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that parts of the building had partially collapsed, making demolition inevitable. He emphasized the need for heightened fire safety awareness, especially during the dry harmattan season between December and February, when fire risks rise.

“People must stop storing highly inflammable materials in residential and office buildings, particularly in densely populated areas. Enforcement and advocacy will be intensified to prevent a repeat,” he said.

Ongoing Firefighting and Emergency Response

The operational commander of the Federal Fire Service in Lagos, Musa Emmanuel, stated that firefighters are still battling the blaze. He noted that the proximity of surrounding buildings and unknown materials within the GNI House complicated suppression efforts.

Multiple agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Fire Service, and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, are actively managing the situation.

More than ten buildings were affected, with at least two severely damaged and several partially impacted.

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has expressed concern over the growing number of fire outbreaks and building collapses across the state, calling for stronger safety enforcement and faster emergency response.

Lawmakers urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to convene a stakeholders’ meeting with agencies like the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, LASAMBUS, and others to develop a long-term strategy for disaster prevention.

They also called for full operational capacity at fire stations in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe, and demanded the installation of functional fire hydrants in all commercial buildings.

Hon. Rauf Age-Suleimon (Amuwo-Odofin 2) praised the government’s efforts to upgrade fire services but warned that “the unlawful conversion of public and residential spaces into markets and commercial areas has put additional pressure on emergency response.”

Lawmakers blamed repeated disasters on poor regulation, non-compliance with safety laws, and use of substandard building materials.

“These factors continue to pose real risks to lives and property in our state,” members noted, citing recent fatal incidents at Atunan Toa and Ema Plaza.

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa called for stricter enforcement of safety standards and urged the Fire and Rescue Service to “conduct regular fire risk assessments in markets, public spaces, and high-risk buildings.”

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