Swift action by the Delta State Fire Service prevented what could have turned into a major fire disaster at an event centre in the Amukpe area of Sapele, saving property valued at millions of naira.
The incident occurred at the well-known Gladys Event Centre, where a fire broke out and threatened to consume the building. However, firefighters from the Sapele Service Station quickly stepped in and brought the situation under control before it could spread further.
Speaking in Asaba, the Director of the Delta State Fire Service, Dr. Eugene Oziwelle, confirmed that the agency received a distress call around 12:35 p.m. and promptly dispatched a team to the scene.
He explained that by the time firefighters arrived, part of the building had already been affected, but their quick response helped stop the fire from extending to other areas.
“Our team acted swiftly to contain the fire and prevent it from escalating. They also managed to salvage furniture and other valuable items worth millions of naira,” Oziwelle stated.
Initial reports from staff at the venue suggest the fire may have started from an electrical spark, which ignited nearby materials and spread rapidly within the hall.
Witnesses noted that the situation could have worsened significantly if not for the timely intervention of the firefighters, whose efforts kept the damage to a minimum.
This incident is the second fire outbreak reported in the Sapele area within a week, coming shortly after a residential fire that was also successfully handled by the state fire service.
Following the incident, Oziwelle advised residents to be more vigilant about fire safety, especially given current weather conditions that increase the likelihood of such outbreaks.
He warned against leaving electrical appliances unattended, noting that electrical faults and overheating are frequent causes of fires.
He also discouraged practices like bush burning and careless disposal of cigarette butts, which can easily ignite fires, particularly in dry conditions.
Oziwelle further praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his continued support of the fire service, saying it has improved their ability to respond effectively to emergencies across the state.
He reiterated the commitment of the fire service to protecting lives and property, while calling for ongoing government support to strengthen their operations.
