A firefighter was injured while battling a blaze at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos.

The fire outbreak, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, destroyed properties worth several millions of naira.

The inferno reportedly started around 1:00 a.m. in a one-storey commercial building housing dealers in computers and accessories within the market. Goods destroyed were said to include computers, mobile phones, and other computer accessories.

Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and the police promptly responded to the distress call and deployed personnel to the scene to combat the fire.

It was learnt that during the rescue operation, one of the firefighters sustained injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the fire was intense and spread rapidly due to the highly flammable materials stored in the affected shops. However, the swift intervention of firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to other parts of the market.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency received a distress call about the fire at about 2:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that upon arrival at the scene, responders observed that the fire had engulfed a one-storey commercial building used for the storage and sale of computers and accessories.

He said:

“Responders observed active flames and dense smoke, indicating intense combustion within the structure. The one-storey commercial building is primarily used for the storage and sale of computers and accessories. The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of fire.

“Cause of the fire is yet-to-be ascertained and is currently under investigation. No fatalities were recorded. However, one Lagos State Firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation and was administered first aid treatment on site by LASAMBUS.

“The entire top floor of the one-storey commercial building was completely razed by the fire. All goods and properties worth millions of naira stored therein were totally destroyed by the conflagration. Physical examination of the one-storey commercial building reveals partial compromise and requires immediate structural assessment.

“Upon arrival, LASEMA Response Team conducted Risk Assessment of the incident scene and cordoned off the activity area. Lagos Response Team (LRT) activated Safety and Precautionary Measures to forestall damages to adjoining buildings and immediate environs of the incident scene.

“Prompt interventions were implemented by LRT, and other responders, to forestall escalation of fire to adjoining buildings and eventually extinguish it. LRT co-ordinated the multi-agency response to ensure a quick and safe operation.

“Firefighting operations have successfully suppressed and contained the fire within the affected building. The fire was prevented from escalating to neighbouring structures. Continuous damping-down operations are ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition. Rescue and Recovery Operation has been concluded.”

He added that LASEMA would conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the fire and carry out a structural assessment of the building to ascertain its safety. (Daily Trust)