A fire incident has gutted part of Leventis Plaza in Abuja, affecting a tailoring workshop located on the first floor of the commercial complex.

The Federal Fire Service said the fire was suspected to have been caused by an electrical surge.

A statement on Sunday by the service spokesperson, Paul Abraham, said firefighters were able to contain the blaze promptly, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the plaza and nearby facilities, including Grand Square, The Palm Hotels and Frazier’s Suites.

“‎The Federal Fire Service successfully responded to a fire incident at Leventis Plaza, affecting a tailoring workshop on the first floor. The fire, suspected to have been caused by an electrical surge, was contained promptly, preventing its spread to the wider plaza and neighbouring commercial structures, including Grand Square, The Palm Hotels, and Frazier’s Suites.

“Upon receiving the emergency call, the FFS Control Room immediately dispatched the Special Unit firefighters from the National Headquarters.

“The crew, led by SF Adoko, arrived at the scene within five minutes and took swift action to contain the blaze”, the statement partly read.

Abraham noted that as a result of the response, property valued at about ₦900 million was saved out of an estimated ₦1 billion.

“‎Firefighters carried out firefighting operations, salvage, and overhaul procedures, followed by a thorough inspection of the affected area. Their timely intervention resulted in the protection of property valued at approximately 900,000,000 Naira out of an estimated 1,000,000,000 Naira prior to the incident. ‎

“The Federal Fire Service reiterates its commitment to ensuring public safety and protecting lives and property across the nation. Citizens are also urged to exercise caution with electrical installations to prevent similar incidents, ” he said.

PUNCH Online reports that fire outbreaks in commercial buildings have remained a concern in Abuja, often linked to electrical faults and poor maintenance of installations. (Sunday PUNCH)