Fire from high-tension line burns down Kwara supermarket

A fire caused by a spark from a high-tension electricity line has destroyed a container supermarket on Lubcon Road in the Mandate Area of Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.

The incident happened early on Sunday when flames engulfed the supermarket, causing major damage to goods and property.

Hassan Adekunle, the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, confirmed the fire in a statement released on Sunday in Ilorin.

According to the statement, the fire service got a distress call around 3:08 a.m. and quickly sent firefighters to the scene to control the fire.

The statement said, "A fire outbreak occurred at a supermarket container located next to Peace Pharmacy, Lubcon Road, Mandate Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

"The incident involved a container shop being used as a supermarket, which was affected by the fire before emergency responders got there."

Adekunle said early investigations showed that a spark from a high-tension line above the supermarket was likely the cause of the fire.

"Initial findings revealed that the fire was suspected to have been caused by a spark from a high-tension transmission line located directly above the supermarket.

"The spark reportedly fell on nearby combustible materials, igniting them and leading to the fire," he explained.

He added that the quick response from firefighters stopped the flames from spreading to nearby shops and properties, preventing a bigger disaster.

"Upon arrival, firefighters quickly brought the fire under control and successfully prevented it from spreading to adjoining shops and other valuable properties in the area," Adekunle said.

In response to the fire, Alabi Muhammed, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, warned people against building close to high-tension power lines.

"Members of the public are strongly advised to avoid constructing shops, buildings, or business premises directly under or too close to high-tension transmission lines, as such locations pose serious fire and safety hazards.

"Following approved siting regulations and safety standards is crucial to preventing fire incidents and protecting lives and property," Muhammed said.

He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property through quick emergency responses and ongoing public education on fire prevention.

This incident adds to the rising number of fire outbreaks reported in Ilorin recently.

Last Sunday, firefighters fought a morning fire that damaged parts of a residential building, affecting one room and a store before it was put out.

Also, on Thursday, a fire that started when a child played with a lighter destroyed part of a residential building in the state capital, affecting one room.