A late-night fire outbreak at a mechanic workshop in the Isheri-Idimu area of Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State, has damaged 21 vehicles and affected part of a nearby building.
The incident, which occurred along Oladunni Street near Eternal Filling Station at approximately 3:05 a.m. on Thursday, raised concerns about the possibility of the flames spreading to the adjoining petrol station and causing a more devastating emergency.
However, the timely response of emergency management officials and other security personnel brought the situation under control before the fire could extend to the filling station and surrounding properties.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to the agency, its Dolphin Response Team, based in Igando, was mobilised immediately after receiving an emergency alert about the fire.
On reaching the location, the responders found that the flames had spread across a mechanical workshop where several high-value vehicles were parked. The workshop’s proximity to a petrol station heightened concerns over the potential consequences of the incident.
A fire spreading to a petroleum facility could result in severe damage and endanger residents and businesses within the surrounding community. Emergency personnel therefore moved quickly to contain the flames and prevent them from reaching the adjoining facility.
LASEMA said the successful containment of the fire was made possible through a coordinated operation involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and its own emergency response team.
The joint effort ensured that the blaze was restricted to the affected area, preventing further damage to nearby structures and averting a potentially more serious incident.
Providing an update on the outcome of the operation, Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that firefighters had completely extinguished the flames and concluded the necessary damping-down procedures.
Damping-down involves checking affected areas and cooling hot spots to minimise the risk of the fire reigniting after the flames have been put out.
A preliminary assessment indicated that 21 exotic vehicles were affected by the fire, while a section of a neighbouring building sustained minor damage.
Despite the destruction recorded at the workshop, the agency confirmed that no fatalities or injuries occurred during the incident.
The absence of casualties came as a relief, considering the intensity of the fire and the location’s proximity to a petrol station, where an escalation could have posed a significant threat to lives and property.
The LASEMA permanent secretary praised the emergency responders for their prompt mobilisation and effective collaboration, noting that their intervention helped prevent the situation from developing into a larger disaster.
He also highlighted the importance of preparedness and rapid emergency response in managing incidents capable of threatening lives, businesses and public infrastructure.
Oke-Osanyintolu called on residents, workshop operators and business owners to strengthen safety precautions, particularly in places where combustible substances and other flammable materials are stored or handled.
Mechanical workshops often contain petrol, engine oil, lubricants and other materials that can contribute to the rapid spread of fire if appropriate precautions are not observed. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for proper storage practices, functional firefighting equipment and adequate emergency arrangements in such facilities.
Business operators were also encouraged to pay attention to electrical installations and other potential sources of ignition, while ensuring that workers understand the appropriate steps to take when a fire breaks out.
The agency further urged members of the public to report emergencies without delay to enable first responders to arrive at affected locations as quickly as possible.
Residents can contact Lagos State emergency services through the toll-free telephone numbers 767 and 112 whenever they encounter a fire outbreak or another situation requiring urgent assistance.
Although the immediate danger at the Isheri-Idimu workshop has been contained, the incident highlights the risks associated with fires in commercial areas, particularly where workshops operate close to petrol stations and other facilities handling flammable substances.
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