How Anambra Fire Service Saved Countless Lives and Property in October: A Review

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Anambra State Fire Service achieved a stellar performance in October 2024, judging by their swift and effective responses to multiple emergencies that could have escalated into catastrophic outcomes in different parts of the State.

This report chronicles the series of timely interventions by the Fire Service, detailing each incident and highlighting the extraordinary efforts of the gallant Firemen who worked tirelessly to protect lives and property, both day and night.

The month’s intervention began on October 18th, when a heavy truck loaded with crates of drinks met a mishap at Eze Uzu Junction in Agu Awka. The truck fell, spilling diesel from its tank over a significant portion of the area, thereby posing an immediate high risk of fire outbreak. Upon receiving the signal, the Anambra State Fire Service promptly arrived at the scene and expertly neutralized the risk.

Despite the severity of the accident, the swift and professional handling by the Firemen ensured that no life was lost, marking the first of their many successful operations in the month under review.

Two days ago after that, on October 20th, at 9:18 pm, the Fire Service responded to a distress call from Ifite Awka. A fire incident had broken out at Mr. Lotanna Okoye’s compound, off Book-Foundation Junction, caused by a power surge. Upon arrival, the firefighters contained the fire within minutes, limiting damage to just a single room. The Firemen departed at 9:51 pm, having successfully averted further destruction; even as the also used the period to remind the public of fire safety measures, especially the importance of switching off electrical appliances when not in use.

The next day, on October 21st, a fire emergency was reported at 10:00 am at 26 Omor Road, G.R.A., Onitsha North LGA. The Fire Service dispatched a team immediately to Mr. John Nsofor’s compound, where fire had engulfed the Boys' Quarters of a one-story building. Through a coordinated effort, the Firemen extinguished the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring structures. The crew departed the scene by 1:20 pm, and again, no casualties were recorded. Preliminary investigations pointed to another power surge as the cause, and the community received crucial fire prevention tips.

On October 26th, the Fire Service's capabilities were tested further. A fully loaded diesel tanker fell near Omemma Filling Station in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, around 11:00 am.

Recognizing the grave risk of an explosion, Fire Chief Engr. Emmanuel Chiketa personally supervised the intervention. The team doused the area with cooling agents and monitored the scene as the diesel was carefully transloaded. Engr. Chiketa cautioned the tanker drivers about the hazards of transporting combustible substances and urged them to exercise extreme caution. The operation wrapped up safely at 4:30 pm, with no causalities or injuries reported.

On October 30th, the Fire Service had a very demanding day, as they tackled two major fire emergencies in different parts of the State. The first occurred in the early hours of the day, at about 9:30 am, when a commercial bus fully loaded with 14 persons caught fire on top of River Niger Bridge in Onitsha. Upon receiving the signal too, the gallant Firemen rushed to the scene and acted quickly, extinguishing the flames before they could spread to other vehicles.

Although the exact cause of the fire was undetermined, the timely response of the Fire Service and the operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) prevented a would-have-been traffic disaster. The firefighting operation concluded at about 12:10 pm, with the firemen also using the opportunity to advise the public to always equip their vehicles with fire extinguishers and always remain vigilant in case of any emergency.

Later in the evening of that same day, at 7:24 pm, the Fire Service intervened in a far more dangerous situation and prevented a potential inferno when a tanker carrying 50,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) fell and overturned along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway near Amansea.

The Firemen, undeterred by the daunting challenge, arrived swiftly and initiated cooling measures. They worked throughout the night to cool the tanker and also assist in the transloading process, closely monitoring situation and ensuring that no sparks ignited the highly flammable cargo. Their efforts were nothing short of heroic, and by 3:00 am the following day, they had successfully concluded their mission, having averted a disaster of monumental proportions.

This incident unarguably highlighted the necessity of cautious driving and regular maintenance of vehicle, most especially for those transporting hazardous materials.

Speaking in an interview with this reporter, Izunna Okafor, on these exceptional efforts of the firemen, the State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, under whose Ministry the Fire Service operates, commended the Fire Service for their bravery, promptness, and professionalism. He also attested that the Firemen's dedication had saved countless lives and property.

“The Firemen have showcased unparalleled bravery and professionalism, both from the Fire Chief to the other officers. Their swift interventions have saved countless lives and protected vast amounts of property. It shows that they understand their job and do it diligently with every sense of commitment. And that is quite commendable,” Commissioner Chukwuemeka said.

He also hinted that this professionalism and interventions of the officers align with the priority of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led Administration to protect lives and property; while further assuring that the state government remains committed to providing every necessary support to the Service.

On the fast-approaching dry season, the Commissioner called on Ndị Anambra to be vigilant and adopt safe measures for fire prevention, as well as avoid anything that could lead to fire outbreak.

Similarly speaking, the State Fire Chief, Engr. Emmanuel Chiketa, praised his team’s gallantry, resilience, and preparedness, which he said, were contributory to the successes of their recent and earlier interventions in different fire emergencies across the state.

“We are always in high alert and always ready to respond to fire emergencies. We take pride in our proactive approach and remain committed to our service delivery.

“I advise the public to remain vigilant, report emergencies promptly, and also prioritize safety, especially now we are approaching the dry season. Together, we can prevent fire disasters and protect our beloved state,” the Fire Chief said.

With these laudable interventions and responses, one can safely attest that the month of October was indeed a very demanding but triumphant month for the Anambra State Fire Service.

More photos and videos of the intervention: