Fire destroys trucks in Kwara park

A fire that broke out at Alagbede Tipper Garage in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State in the early hours of Tuesday, has destroyed three trucks out of the 42 parked in the garage.

According to reports, the fire started around 1:45 a.m. from a waste collection truck parked with refuse inside.

The flames quickly spread to two other trucks before firefighters contained the situation.

The Principal Fire Officer and spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.

“On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 01:35 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service received a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at Alagbede Tipper Garage, Ilorin.

“Responding swiftly, the fire crew arrived at the scene to find a fleet of trucks, some of which were already engulfed in flames. Through the efforts of the firefighters, the fire was contained, limiting damage to only three out of the 42 trucks in the garage.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from a waste collection truck that had been parked with refuse still inside. The refuse contained lit charcoal, which smouldered and eventually ignited, spreading to two other trucks before being extinguished,” Adekunle said.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Falade John, advised residents to stay vigilant and follow fire safety measures to prevent such incidents.

In a separate fire outbreak on Monday, a shop was destroyed at No. 1 Awolowo Road, Tanke, Ilorin.

Adekunle, in another statement, said, “On March 17, 2025, at 16:15 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service swiftly responded to a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at No. 1 Awolowo Road, Tanke, Ilorin.

“Upon arrival, the firefighters immediately sprang into action to contain the blaze. The fire involved two shops, but through their swift intervention, the firemen successfully prevented it from spreading to the second shop.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from a solar battery in one of the shops.”

The fire service director urged the public to follow strict safety measures and ensure solar power systems are installed in well-ventilated areas to prevent fire hazards.

The service reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive fire prevention and emergency response.