The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) says it has successfully contained the fire outbreak that ripped through Tejuosho market in Yaba area and there were no casualties.
In a statement on Wednesday, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA permanent secretary, said the agency responded quickly and curtailed the incident.
“Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, received distress calls via its 767 and 112 toll-free emergency numbers at 12:19 hours and activated the Lagos state emergency response plans,” the statement reads.
“Upon arrival at the incident scene, it was discovered that several wooden shanties along the Tejuosho canal (comprising of shops and residences) were gutted by fire.”
Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the fire was caused by an unattended meal being cooked by a member of the community. The fire destroyed only shanties along the Tejuosho canal.
“Investigations at the incident scene revealed that the fire started in one of the rooms where a member of the community who was cooking had left the meal unattended on the fire,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
“Further investigations revealed that when the fire broke out, it quickly spread to several wooden blocks along the canal.
“Fortunately, no injuries were sustained, and there was no loss of life.
“The fire has been combated, curtailed, and prevented from spreading to adjoining buildings like NTA, Oba Tejuosho house, and other residential estates nearby. Dampening down has commenced, and operation is still ongoing.”