By Comfort Asemota
The Kwara State Fire Service on Sunday successfully brought a major fire incident under control at a plastic recycling factory in Ilorin, averting a potential disaster that could have caused significant loss of lives and property.
The incident was reported to have occurred around 5:10 p.m. at Madfa Nigeria Enterprises, a plastic recycling facility located in the Olorunsogo area of Biada, within Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to a statement issued Sunday night by the Head of Media and Publicity of the service, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the affected structure was used for plastic recycling, a factor that intensified the fire due to the highly flammable nature of the materials stored inside the building.
He disclosed that firefighters responded swiftly after receiving the distress call and immediately deployed two fire engines to the scene to contain the blaze.
“The fire spread rapidly because of the combustible plastic materials involved. However, the bravery, professionalism, and timely intervention of our firefighters greatly minimized the damage and prevented the fire from extending to nearby buildings,” the statement explained.
The Kwara State Fire Service praised the dedication and coordinated efforts of its officers, noting that their prompt response was instrumental in bringing the situation under control within a short time.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was triggered by welding activities being carried out within the facility. Sparks from a welding electrode reportedly landed on stacked plastic materials, igniting the fire and causing it to spread quickly.
Reacting to the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, warned factory owners, industrial operators, and artisans to avoid negligence during welding and other high-risk industrial operations.
He urged companies to strictly adhere to fire safety guidelines, including removing flammable materials from welding zones, using fire-resistant protective shields, and ensuring that functional fire extinguishers are readily available on site.
Falade emphasized that compliance with established safety standards would significantly reduce the frequency of industrial fire outbreaks across the state.
He reaffirmed the Fire Service’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and industrial assets throughout Kwara State.
