An evening fire on Saturday engulfed parts of the Practicing Primary School inside St. Stephen Anglican Church, Umubelu, Awka, Anambra State. The fire, reportedly caused by bush burning, damaged sections of the roofing of the school’s classroom blocks. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded in the incident, which sparked concern among locals in the area.
Eyewitnesses noted that the fire burned for several minutes before firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service arrived. Their swift intervention prevented the flames from spreading to other structures in the vicinity. Residents expressed relief as the fire was contained efficiently, thanks to the timely response of the fire service.
Confirming the incident, Chukwudi Chiketa, Head of Media and Publicity for the Anambra State Fire Service, stated that a team of firefighters and equipment was promptly dispatched upon receiving a distress call around 4:40 pm. Chiketa added that the fire was fully contained by 5:45 pm. He cautioned residents to clear dry vegetation around their premises during the dry season to minimize fire risks.
In a separate incident earlier on Saturday morning, a fire broke out at Lord’s Plaza in the Onitsha Main Market, affecting two ground-floor shops. Though the cause of the fire remains unknown, firefighters quickly responded and contained the blaze. Another fire outbreak was also reported on Friday behind the Security Office at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Campus in Awka. Firefighters swiftly contained the fire, preventing damage or casualties in both cases.