A fire broke out at a residential building on Nkisi Aroli Street, behind St. Charles College in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Tuesday. The flames raged for several hours before firefighters could intervene, facing difficulties due to poor access roads in the area.
Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Witnesses stated that the fire ignited unexpectedly and rapidly spread throughout the building. Firefighters had to extend their hoses to combat the fire from a distance.
The Anambra State Fire Service reported that two crews and two firefighting trucks were sent to the scene after a distress call was made. However, they encountered blocked roads that prevented them from reaching the site directly.
Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa highlighted the need for accessible roads for emergency services. He pointed out that the lack of access significantly impeded firefighting efforts, resulting in more extensive damage.
Chiketa urged landlords and community leaders to prioritize the creation of accessible routes to ensure timely responses during emergencies. He emphasized that while firefighters are committed to serving the community, local support is essential for effective emergency management.
