A section of the Dunukofia Local Government Headquarters located in Ukpo, Anambra State, has been ravaged by fire.
The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, February 7, reportedly originated from unknown individuals who ignited a blaze in a nearby bush, leading to its spread into the premises of the Local Government Secretariat.
Reports indicate that the fire persisted for several hours, posing a significant threat to files and properties within the Secretariat. However, the timely intervention of firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service helped prevent extensive damage.
Confirming the incident, Engr. Martin Agbili, the Anambra State Fire Chief, stated, “At about 1853hrs (6.53pm) on Wednesday, 07-02-2024, the Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call regarding a Heavy Fire Outbreak at Dunukofia. Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and courageous firefighters to the scene and successfully fought, controlled, and extinguished the fire.”
Agbili added, “The cause of the fire was a Bush Fire ignited by unknown individuals, which encroached upon the Local Government Council Secretariat. During the firefighting operations, we managed to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing significant damage to the Local Government Council’s property. We withdrew from the scene at about 2030hrs (8.30pm) after bringing the fire under control and stabilizing the situation.”
He emphasized the importance of clearing bushes around the environment, particularly during the dry season and harmattan period, to mitigate the risk of fire outbreaks, stressing, “Fire kills, but you can prevent it.”