Fire Damages School Building in Awka
An evening fire on Saturday, January 11, 2025, affected parts of the Practicing Primary School located within St. Stephen Anglican Church, Umubelu, Awka, Anambra State. The fire, attributed to bush burning, damaged some roofing materials of the school’s classroom blocks. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the fire burned for several minutes before firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service arrived to extinguish the flames. Their swift intervention prevented the fire from spreading to other structures within the vicinity.

Firefighters Respond Promptly
Chukwudi Chiketa, head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, confirmed the incident. He stated that firefighters were deployed to the scene immediately after receiving a distress call around 4:40 pm.

Chiketa noted, “The bushfire outbreak affected some parts of the roofing materials of the school’s classroom blocks but was stopped from further escalation by the Anambra firemen. There was no casualty recorded. The firefighters left the scene at 5:45 pm on the same day.”

Warnings Against Bush Burning
In light of the incident, Chiketa urged residents to take extra precautions during the dry season. He emphasized the importance of clearing bushes and grasses around homes, offices, schools, and other establishments to prevent fire outbreaks.

Fire Incident at Onitsha Main Market
Earlier that same day, a fire broke out at Lord’s Plaza in Onitsha Main Market, near the United Bank of Africa. The fire affected two lock-up attachment shops on the ground floor of the plaza.

Chiketa revealed that the fire service received a distress call at 6:10 am from a panicked woman who reported the blaze. Firefighters responded promptly, containing the fire and preventing it from spreading further.

“There was no casualty reported,” Chiketa stated. “The firemen departed the scene and returned to the station by 7:58 am.”

Fire at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Campus
On Friday, January 10, 2025, another fire incident occurred behind the Security Office of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Campus in Awka. The state fire service received a call at 4:05 pm and promptly deployed a crew to the scene.

The fire was successfully contained, and no damage or casualties were reported. Chiketa confirmed that the firefighters left the scene at 5:09 pm after ensuring the situation was under control.

Fire Safety Precautions Urged
The Anambra State Fire Service has consistently cautioned residents about the risks associated with fire outbreaks, particularly during the dry season. The agency reiterated the importance of fire safety measures, including:

• Clearing dry vegetation and bushes near homes and buildings.
• Avoiding the use of open flames near flammable materials.
• Ensuring that all electrical appliances are in good working condition.

Preventive Measures Needed
With multiple fire incidents reported within days, the importance of preventive measures cannot be overstated. Community awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of anti-bush-burning laws, and improved fire service readiness are critical steps in mitigating future fire outbreaks.

The fire incidents in Awka, Onitsha, and other parts of Anambra State highlight the need for collective vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to protect lives and property.