Fire on Tuesday gutted the timber market, which is situated in Nnewi North Local Government Area, LGA of Anambra.
It was contained in a statement signed by the director of Anambra Fire Service, Mr. Martin Agbili, who indicated that the inferno started at about 11:30 a.m.
According to him, “When we received a distress call of a fire outbreak at Timber Market in Nnewi, we immediately deployed our fire trucks and gallant firefighters to the scene to fight, control, and extinguish the fire.
“The cause of the fire outbreak is unknown but it emanated from the gully heep of sawdust, which threw smoke that covered the entire market, although no life was lost
Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the timely intervention of firefighters proved instrumental in preventing further devastation. Responding swiftly to the emergency, firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service arrived at the scene and commenced efforts to extinguish the flames. Despite the challenging conditions posed by the dense smoke and intense heat, the firefighters demonstrated courage and professionalism in their response, working tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures.
The coordinated efforts of the firefighters, combined with assistance from local residents and traders, played a crucial role in saving the timber market from complete destruction. Working together, they formed human chains to pass buckets of water and other firefighting equipment, supplementing the efforts of the fire brigade and helping to contain the blaze. Their collective resolve and determination exemplified the spirit of community solidarity in the face of adversity, showcasing the strength and resilience of the people of Nnewi.
As the flames were gradually brought under control, the extent of the damage became apparent. Several stalls and structures within the timber market had been razed to the ground, leaving behind charred remnants of what was once a bustling commercial hub. The fire had exacted a heavy toll on the livelihoods of the traders, many of whom had invested their savings and resources in their businesses, only to see them reduced to ashes in a matter of hours.
“The timber market was completely saved due to the timely intervention of our firefighters. The heavy fire was battled till about 5:40 p.m.”