By Ibrahim Muhammad Tauheed
The FCT Fire Service wishes to inform the general public and members of the media that it responded to a major fire outbreak at Shafa Filling Station, which affected Ahmad Plaza, Garki, Abuja. Upon receiving the distress call, at (21:44 hrs) 9:44 pm, the FCT Fire Service immediately mobilised firefighting personnel and appliances to the scene in Area 3, Garki, Abuja.
Owing to the magnitude of the incident, other fire service authorities also joined the emergency response, resulting in a coordinated inter-agency firefighting operation.
The emergency operation was personally supervised by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel, Director of the FCT Fire Service, ACGF Adebayo Zacchaeus, alongside the Head of Operations, Shina Abioye, with several senior officers directing tactical firefighting and rescue operations.
Fire Appliances Deployed
The following Fire Service appliances participated in the operation:
- CT 30 B07
- CT 38 B07
- FFS-75
- FFS-285
- FFS-166
- FFS-50
- NJI-46FJ
Other responding agencies deployed the following operational vehicles:
- Julius Berger Water Tanker (GWA-856YM)
- Julius Berger Tanker (RBC-433XJ)
- NEMA Rescue Bus
- CBN Fire Truck
- Federal Fire Service Ambulance
- Shafa Filling Station Tanker
Several Commando vehicles from the FCT Fire Serrvice and Federal Fire Service were also on the ground.
Preliminary Assessment
Initial findings indicate that the incident involved a fire within the filling station premises and adjoining structures. Preliminary damage assessment revealed the following:
- Thirteen (13) fuel dispensing pumps were within the affected facility.
- Three (3) fuel dispensers were directly affected by the fire.
- Two (2) vehicles were completely burnt.
- One (1) fuel tanker loaded with approximately 45,000 litres of petroleum product was engulfed by the fire.
Parts of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Office and sections of Ahmad Plaza, a two-storey commercial building, were affected by the incident.
The swift and coordinated response of all emergency agencies prevented the fire from spreading further to nearby structures and substantially reduced the extent of losses.
Firefighters Injured in Line of Duty
Regrettably, three firefighters sustained serious injuries while courageously carrying out firefighting operations. One of the injured officers is currently receiving intensive medical care at the Trauma Centre, National Hospital, Abuja, where medical specialists are making every effort to ensure his recovery, while the two others were rushed to the Alliance hospital, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
The Director of the FCT Fire Service expresses its profound concern for the injured firefighter and calls on members of the public to keep him in their thoughts and prayers as he continues to receive treatment.
Appreciation
ACGF Adebayo commends the dedication, professionalism, and bravery displayed by all responding firefighters and emergency personnel whose prompt intervention prevented what could have resulted in an even greater disaster.
The Service also appreciates the cooperation of sister emergency agencies, security personnel, and members of the public who assisted in ensuring a coordinated emergency response.
Public Advisory
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Members of the public are advised to refrain from speculation and await the outcome of the official investigation.
The FCT Fire Service further reminds operators of fuel stations, commercial facilities, and members of the public to strictly comply with fire safety regulations, ensure regular maintenance of fire protection systems, and report any fire emergency immediately through the appropriate emergency channels: 0209-290-6118.
The FCT Fire Service remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property through prompt emergency response, public education, and the enforcement of fire safety standards.
Signed
TPL (Dr.) Ibrahim Muhammad Tauheed,
Superintendent of Fire
Head, Public Relations & Enlightenment
For: Director, FCT Fire Service
