Over 80 shops destroyed in Kano Timber Market fire

More than 80 shops were gutted by fire in the early hours of Wednesday at Kasuwar Yan Katako (Timber Market) in Rijiyar Lemo, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State.

The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi.

According to the statement, the agency received an emergency call around 4:28 a.m. from one Kabiru Nafi’u, alerting them to the fire outbreak at the market.

Firefighters from the Dawanau, Rijiyar Zaki and Bompai stations were promptly deployed to the scene to battle the inferno.

“On arrival, firefighters found a timber market measuring about 500 by 500 feet engulfed in flames,” the statement said.

The blaze reportedly destroyed about 30 permanent structures and 55 temporary stalls within the market.

To control the fire, three trucks Com 23, Com 17 and Com 2 were mobilised for the operation. The Service noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident.

Meanwhile, within the same period, firefighters also responded to another emergency at Zamson Filling Station along Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Fagge Local Government Area.

The statement revealed that a fuel tanker caught fire while discharging petrol into an underground tank. Officers from the headquarters swiftly intervened and brought the situation under control.

“The fire slightly affected parts of the tanker truck. Through swift intervention, the firefighters successfully contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading further,” the statement added.

The Fire Service advised traders to regularly inspect their electrical wiring before closing for the day. It also urged fuel station operators and tanker drivers to strictly observe safety procedures when handling petroleum products.

Residents were further encouraged to promptly report fire outbreaks to help minimise damage to lives and property.