On Monday, February 3, 2025, a significant fire incident occurred in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, Nigeria. A five-year-old boy, while playing with matchsticks, inadvertently set a duplex ablaze. The incident took place at Abiodun Adebiyi Close, off Yidi Road, in the Irewolede area of Ilorin West Local Government Area. One of the rooms in the five-bedroom duplex was completely consumed by the fire before the Kwara State Fire Service intervened to prevent further destruction.

Eyewitness Account

Lanre Abdulrazaq, an eyewitness who was engaged in a menial job nearby, recounted the events leading up to the fire. He stated, “We just noticed that thick smoke was oozing out of the building; we raised the alarm to sensitize people around for a rescue operation. We did not know the cause of the fire, but later we saw the firefighters who arrived and contained the fire.”

Fire Service Response and Investigation

The Kwara State Fire Service responded promptly to the distress call. Hassan Adekunle, the Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity for the service, confirmed that the fire was caused by the child playing with matches. He explained that the boy inadvertently dropped a lit matchstick on a combustible material, which ignited the flames.

Adekunle detailed the response, stating, “Our gallant firefighters sprang into action, arriving swiftly at the scene to find one room in a five-bedroom duplex engulfed in flames. Through sheer expertise and technical precision, the team worked fervently to contain the fire, ensuring it did not spread to other rooms or nearby buildings. Thanks to their exceptional skill and coordination, only one room was affected.”

Official Statements and Safety Advisories

Prince Falade John, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, commended the firefighters for their swift and tactical response. He emphasized the importance of fire safety and urged parents to keep matches and other flammable materials out of the reach of children. He noted, “A single matchstick could destroy an entire building.”

Recurring Incidents Involving Children and Fire in Kwara State

This incident is not isolated in Kwara State. In December 2024, a nine-year-old child set his father’s three-bedroom flat ablaze in Ilorin while playing with matches. The fire, which occurred at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, resulted in significant damage to the bedroom, kitchen, and balcony of the building. The child’s mother was outside attending to visitors when neighbors noticed heavy smoke emanating from the bungalow.

The Kwara State Fire Service, in its statement regarding the December incident, highlighted the dangers of children playing with fire. They advised parents and guardians to educate their children on the risks associated with fire and to keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials out of children’s reach.

Broader Implications and Preventive Measures

These recurring incidents underscore a critical need for increased public awareness and education on fire safety, particularly concerning children. Parents and guardians play a pivotal role in preventing such accidents by:

• Educating Children: Teaching children about the dangers of playing with fire and the potential consequences.
• Securing Flammable Materials: Ensuring that matches, lighters, and other flammable items are stored securely and out of children’s reach.
• Supervision: Keeping a close watch on young children, especially in environments where potential fire hazards exist.
• Emergency Preparedness: Educating all household members on emergency procedures, including how to respond in the event of a fire.

The Kwara State Fire Service remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property through professionalism and rapid emergency response. They continue to advocate for public education on fire safety and encourage the community to prioritize preventive measures to avert such incidents in the future.

Conclusion

The recent fire incidents in Ilorin, caused by children playing with matches, highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent future occurrences. While the swift response of the Kwara State Fire Service mitigated the damage in these cases, the importance of parental vigilance and public education on fire safety cannot be overstated. By implementing preventive strategies and fostering a culture of safety, such tragic incidents can be significantly reduced, ensuring the well-being of the community.