Fire guts shops in Onitsha market

Some shops at the Ose Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, have been gutted by fire.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, but it was gathered that it started at about 1.02 am on Saturday.

The shops are located at 4, Ajasa Street, where they sell drums of chemicals.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Anambra State fire chief, Martin Agbili, said firefighters who were immediately deployed to the scene, after a distress call, battled the fire all through the night.

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He said, “At about 1:02 am on Saturday, the Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of a fire outbreak at No 4 Ajasa Street, Ose Main Market, Onitsha, where they sell drums of chemicals.

“Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and our ever-ready and fearless Firefighters to the fire scene. We swift into action, battled the fire, controlled and fought it to a standstill.

“The cause of the fire was unknown as nobody was there when it started. Although, the fire destroyed about three shops but no life was lost during the heavy fire. A lot were saved as we prevented the fire from spreading to other shops around the fire incident scene.

“It is important to know that we must always switch off of our electrical and electronic appliances especially when it is not in use.

“We must also know that we are at the peak of the harmattan. Avoid anything which can cause fire outbreak at this season.”