Child playing with lighter triggers fire disaster in Kwara

A child playing with a lighter in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Thursday triggered a fire disaster in a three-bedroom flat, DAILY POST reports.

According to the spokesman of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, in Ilorin on Thursday, the incident occurred at about 5:08 p.m. at No. 38, Aduagbemi Street, behind Uniform Company, off Asa Dam Road in Ilorin metropolis.

He disclosed that “the incident involved a three-bedroom flat, where one room was affected by the fire.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a child playing with a lighter and using it to ignite pieces of paper.

“The burning paper subsequently came into contact with nearby combustible materials, resulting in a fire outbreak.

“The fire had already escalated before neighbours noticed the incident and raised the alarm.

“Upon arrival, firefighters swiftly brought the situation under control and prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the building and adjoining properties,” he added.

The Director of the State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, advised parents and guardians to keep matches, lighters and other ignition sources out of the reach of children.

He emphasised that children should be adequately supervised at all times and educated on the dangers associated with playing with fire.

The director further urged residents to install basic fire safety equipment in their homes and to promptly notify the service whenever a fire outbreak is discovered, as early intervention greatly reduces the risk of extensive damage and loss of life.

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Child playing with lighter triggers fire disaster in Kwara