By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka in Abuja
The FCT Fire Service has confirmed that it responded to a major fire outbreak at Shafa Filling Station in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, which also affected adjoining Ahmad Plaza.
According to a statement signed by TPL (Dr.) Ibrahim Muhammad Tauheed, Head of Public Relations & Enlightenment, the distress call was received at 9:44 pm, after which personnel and firefighting appliances were immediately mobilized to the scene.
Owing to the magnitude of the incident, other fire service authorities joined the operation, resulting in a coordinated inter-agency firefighting effort.
The emergency operation was personally supervised by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, CGF Olumode Samuel, and the Director of FCT Fire Service, ACGF Adebayo Zacchaeus, alongside the Head of Operations, DCF Shina Abioye, with several senior officers directing tactical operations.
Fire appliances deployed included CT 30 B07, CT 38 B07, FFS-75, FFS-285, FFS-166, FFS-50 and NJI-46FJ. Other agencies also deployed a Julius Berger water tanker, NEMA rescue bus, CBN fire truck, Federal Fire Service ambulance and commando vehicles.
Preliminary assessment showed that 13 fuel dispensing pumps were within the facility, with 3 dispensers directly affected. Two vehicles were completely burnt and one fuel tanker loaded with approximately 45,000 litres of petroleum product was engulfed.
Parts of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Office and sections of Ahmad Plaza, a two-storey commercial building, were also affected by the fire.
The Service said the swift and coordinated response prevented the fire from spreading further to nearby structures and substantially reduced the extent of losses.
Regrettably, three firefighters sustained serious injuries while carrying out operations. One officer is currently receiving intensive medical care at the Trauma Centre, National Hospital, Abuja, while the other two were treated at Alliance Hospital, Area 11, Garki.
ACGF Adebayo commended the dedication, professionalism and bravery of all responding firefighters and emergency personnel, whose prompt intervention averted a greater disaster.
The Service appreciated sister emergency agencies, security personnel and members of the public for their cooperation in ensuring a coordinated response.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The FCT Fire Service urged fuel station operators and the public to comply with fire safety regulations and report emergencies immediately through 0209-290-6118.
