A devastating fire on Wednesday consumed a building at Kagarawal Quarters, opposite the District Head’s residence in Gombe, destroying property valued at about ₦10 million.
The incident occurred within the coverage area of the ATM Fire Operations Base.
Officers from the Federal Fire Service, Gombe State Command, led by Assistant Superintendent of Fire Waziri James Anthony, were quickly deployed to the scene.
ASF Bashir Mu’azu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the team arrived shortly after receiving an emergency alert and brought the fire under control before it spread to neighboring structures.
“Our team acted promptly and contained the blaze, preventing it from escalating into a larger disaster,” Mu’azu said.
He added that many valuables were saved due to the swift intervention of the fire officers, helping to reduce overall losses.
The Public Relations Officer also praised the professionalism and quick response of the firefighters, highlighting their role in minimizing damage.
Residents were urged to prioritise fire prevention measures and to alert the Federal Fire Service immediately at the first sign of any outbreak.
“Early reporting and proactive safety measures can save lives and property,” Mu’azu advised.
Community members expressed relief that no one was injured during the incident and commended the fire service for their timely action.
The blaze in Gombe comes weeks after a major fire destroyed a residential complex in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, in January, consuming 28 apartments and adjacent shops.
That earlier fire reportedly started around 2 a.m., quickly spreading to adjoining apartments before engulfing commercial spaces nearby.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the Gombe fire to prevent future occurrences and have appealed to residents to maintain fire safety protocols.
The Federal Fire Service emphasised the importance of having functional fire extinguishers and emergency equipment in homes and workplaces.
Residents were also reminded to keep clear access routes for emergency vehicles to ensure prompt response in case of fire outbreaks.
Community leaders in Kagarawal Quarters described the swift containment of the fire as a “critical intervention” that prevented a far worse disaster.
The Federal Fire Service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and encouraged ongoing cooperation with local communities.
Officials are using the incident to stress the need for greater public awareness on fire hazards, particularly in densely populated areas.