Fire Service Rescues Elderly Woman as Fire Razes Building in Ibadan
A 65-year-old woman has been rescued by operatives of the Oyo State Fire Service after a fire outbreak engulfed part of a residential building in Ibadan, the state capital.
The incident occurred at a compound located beside a primary healthcare centre in the Elekuro area of the city, triggering panic among residents and resulting in the destruction of properties valued at several millions of naira.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Maroof Akinwande, said the fire originated from the boys’ quarters of an old six-room residential building before spreading to other sections.
He explained that the blaze initially affected one of the rooms in the boys’ quarters and rapidly intensified, posing a threat to the main building and nearby structures.
According to Akinwande, firefighters were mobilised immediately after the agency received a distress call and were able to prevent the fire from extending beyond the affected area.
He said the elderly woman was found trapped during the rescue operation and had suffered severe smoke inhalation before being evacuated from the scene.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment and is currently stabilising.
While no fatalities were recorded, the inferno destroyed household items, including furniture, electrical appliances and other valuables.
Akinwande said the swift response of the fire service helped avert a major disaster, especially considering the location’s proximity to other residential buildings and a healthcare facility.
Residents of the area praised the firefighters for their prompt intervention, noting that their efforts prevented further damage and possible loss of lives.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, with the fire service confirming that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak.
The agency urged residents to observe fire safety measures and promptly report emergencies to ensure rapid response and limit damage.
