A residential fire claimed the life of an 11-year-old child on New Year’s Day in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

It was learnt that the incident was among several fire outbreaks recorded across parts of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Imo, Gombe, Kwara and Bayelsa states.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesman of the Federal Fire Service, Paul Abraham.

According to him, Bayelsa State recorded a tragic incident in Yenagoa where a residential fire resulted in the death of a child. He added that property valued at about N10m was salvaged, while losses were estimated at N20m.

“In Yenagoa, firefighters responded to a residential fire involving a wooden structure. Although property worth about N10m was saved, losses were estimated at N20m. Sadly, the incident claimed the life of an 11-year-old child, with preliminary findings indicating the fire was caused by a candle left unattended,” he said.

According to the statement, a fire also broke out at Cake Hot Restaurant in River Plate Park, Wuse, shortly after midnight.

He said firefighters, working with the FCT Fire Service, contained the blaze, preventing a major disaster in the busy recreational area.

According to him, property valued at approximately N1.5bn was saved, while losses were estimated at N500m.

The statement partly read, “Shortly after midnight, at 00:23 hrs on January 1, firefighters were mobilised to a fire outbreak at Cake Hot Restaurant, within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja. Crews arrived promptly and, in joint efforts with the FCT Fire Service, successfully contained the blaze, preventing what could have escalated into a major disaster in the busy recreational area.

“While a section of the garden was affected, no lives were lost, and no injuries were recorded. Property valued at approximately N1.5bn was saved, with losses estimated at N500m.

“Preliminary findings linked the incident to objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing long-standing warnings against the use of fireworks.”

Abraham said in Lagos, Imo, Gombe, and Kwara, firefighters responded to several incidents, preventing further escalation and minimising property damage.

He said Controller General Adeyemi expressed sympathy to victims of the fires and reiterated the need for Nigerians to adhere to fire safety precautions, particularly during the harmattan season.

He urged citizens to switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use, avoid fireworks and open flames indoors, and report fires immediately.

“From Abuja to Yenagoa, fire can break out in seconds. But with vigilance and adherence to basic safety measures, many of these incidents are preventable. Lives and livelihoods must always come before celebrations,” Adeyemi added.

He said the rapid nationwide response of firefighters demonstrates a service committed to readiness and public safety, as the new year begins with a stark reminder of the hazards posed by fire.

The directive from Controller General Olumode Adeyemi that no firefighter should proceed on holiday or leave throughout the festive period ensured that crews were immediately available to respond to multiple emergencies. (The PUNCH, but headline rejigged)

Update news