A fire caused by a nine-year-old boy (name withheld) while playing with matches has engulfed a 3-bedroom flat in Ilorin Kwara state capital .
Blueprint gathered that the fire ignited from the matches had consumed a mattress before it escalated to other properties and the entire building.
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday.
The statement reads, “The Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin, where a three-bedroom flat was nearly destroyed.
“The fire was caused by a 9-year-old child playing with matches, which ignited a mattress and escalated the blaze.
“We strongly urge the public to prioritize safety at all times, especially as children spend their holiday at home with limited supervision while many parents are at work. Parents and guardians are advised to:
“Keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials out of children’s reach. Educate children on the dangers of playing with fire”.
The statement also warned on the dangers of firecrackers, commonly known as “bangers. during the yuletide period recalling ” tragic incident from a few years ago serves as a sobering reminder.
“A young boy was playing with firecrackers when he heard the sound of his father’s car pulling into the driveway. Panicked and afraid of being scolded, he quickly lit a firecracker and tossed it under the bed, thinking it would remain hidden. Moments later, his father walked in, oblivious to what had just happened.
“Excited to celebrate, the father decided to take the family out for some shopping. They locked the house and left, completely unaware of the smoldering danger spreading beneath the bed. By the time they returned, the fire had consumed the entire house, leaving nothing but ashes and heartbreak behind.
“This devastating incident highlights the importance of vigilance and safety. Parents must educate their children on the dangers of firecrackers and ensure they are used responsibly, if at all. Let us all work together to prevent such tragedies this festive season”, the statment added.