By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Some residents and traders in Anambra State at were thrown into panic in the early hours of Friday following a fresh fire outbreak that gutted part of the Nkwo Enugu-Ukwu Market, in Njikoka Local Government Area of the State.
According to a press statement issued by the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, the emergency incident was reported at exactly 03:43 a.m. on November 28, 2025. Upon receiving the distress call, firefighters were immediately mobilized and deployed to the scene without delay.
On arrival at the market square, firefighting personnel swiftly commenced suppression operations to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining shops and buildings. Preliminary findings by the Fire Service indicate that the inferno was triggered by electrical sparks from a faulty appliance in one of the shops in the market.
The fire outbreak, according to the Fire Service, affected sections of the market mainly dealing in provisions and roofing materials. However, due to the timely, coordinated and highly effective intervention of the firefighters, the destruction was successfully confined to just one shop, thereby preventing what could have escalated into a major market disaster.
The Fire Service further confirmed that no life was lost and no casualty was recorded during the incident, even as the firefighting operations were successfully concluded at about 04:46 a.m., barely an hour after the distress alert was received.
In further reaction to the incident, the Anambra State Fire Service strongly advised all shop owners and residents within the market environment to immediately carry out proper and professional inspection of their electrical installations, stressing that faulty wiring and appliances remain a major cause of fire outbreaks.
The Service also cautioned traders and residents to always switch off all electrical appliances when closing for the day, especially in commercial environments where flammable materials are stored.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that the latest outbreak adds to the growing list of destructive fire incidents recorded in different parts of Anambra State within the last one week, including recent fuel tanker accidents, and factory fires, among others, which have resulted in loss of life and many property as well as heightened public anxiety.
Notwithstanding the rising spate of fire incidents, however, the Anambra State Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and public property across the state, further assuring residents of its continued readiness to respond promptly to emergencies at all times.
The Fire Service once again called on members of the public to remain vigilant, adhere strictly to safety precautions, and promptly report any emergency through the appropriate channels.
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