Fire at Abuja Filling Station Injures Three Firefighters and Damages Offices

The Federal Capital Territory Fire Service reports that three firefighters were injured in a fire incident on Thursday night at the AYM Shafa filling station in Abuja.

Ibrahim Muhammad, the Public Relations Officer for the service, confirmed this news to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.

The fire broke out at the filling station located in Area 3 Garki after a fuel tanker filled with petrol exploded.

Muhammad explained that they received a call about the fire around 9:44 PM and quickly sent personnel and equipment to the site.

"Due to the size of the incident, other fire service teams also joined the emergency response, which led to a coordinated firefighting effort," he said.

While trying to control the fire, three firefighters were seriously injured. One of them is receiving intensive medical care at the Trauma Centre of the National Hospital in Abuja.

"Medical experts are working hard to ensure his recovery. The other two firefighters were taken to Alliance Hospital in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, for treatment," he added.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

"We ask the public not to speculate and wait for the official investigation results," Muhammad said.

He also thanked other emergency agencies, security personnel, and members of the public for their help during the response.

The FCT Fire Service praised the dedication and bravery shown by all the firefighters and emergency staff who responded.

According to him, their quick actions helped to prevent a bigger disaster.

Muhammad noted that initial assessments showed that the fire damaged the filling station and nearby buildings.

"One fuel tanker containing about 45,000 litres of petrol was caught in the fire.

"Initial damage assessments show that 13 fuel dispensing pumps were affected. Three of these pumps were directly damaged by the fire, and two civilian vehicles were completely burnt.

"Parts of the Federal Inland Revenue Service office and sections of Ahmad Plaza, a two-storey commercial building next to the station, also suffered damage," the PRO said.

He urged fuel station operators, businesses, and the public to follow fire safety rules closely.

Muhammad stressed the need for regular maintenance of fire protection systems and to report any fire emergencies immediately at 020-9290-6118.

He quoted Adebayo Zacchaeus, the Director of the FCT Fire Service, who expressed concern for the injured firefighters and asked the public to keep them in their prayers as they receive treatment.

Zacchaeus stated that the service is committed to protecting lives and property through quick emergency responses, public education, and enforcing fire safety standards.

NAN reports that the emergency operation was supervised by the Federal Fire Service Controller General, Olumode Samuel, and the FCT Fire Service Director, along with other tactical and rescue teams.