Power Surge Triggers Fire in Kwara Laundry Shop, Residents Escape Unhurt -

Residents of an eight-room residential building in Ilorin, Kwara State, narrowly escaped disaster in the early hours of Tuesday after a fire outbreak razed a laundry shop attached to the property.

The incident occurred around 3:58 a.m. at Assu-Luxury Quarters, off University Road in the Tanke area of the state capital. Swift intervention by firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to the residential apartments and nearby buildings.

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene and successfully contained the fire by 4:25 a.m., safeguarding lives and minimizing property damage. The operation was concluded shortly after, at about 4:42 a.m.

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, stated that only the laundry section of the building was affected, while the residential units remained intact.

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Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been caused by an electrical power surge, possibly from a pressing iron left switched on for an extended period.

Authorities, however, noted that further investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.

Reacting to the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, urged business owners especially those operating laundry services—to adopt safer electrical practices.

He emphasized the importance of switching off appliances immediately after use and avoiding leaving them unattended while powered.

He also advised routine electrical inspections, the use of certified appliances, and the installation of surge protection devices to reduce the risk of similar incidents.

The Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through rapid emergency response and continuous public awareness on fire safety.