The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has attributed a fire that engulfed a residential building in the Ketu-Ikosi area of Lagos to a power surge originating from a prepaid electricity meter.
The agency disclosed that the incident occurred at a residential property in the community, prompting a swift response from emergency responders, including firefighters and other rescue personnel.
According to LASEMA, preliminary findings indicate that the blaze was triggered by an electrical surge from the prepaid meter, which quickly spread through parts of the building before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, supported by officials of LASEMA and other emergency agencies, battled the flames to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings in the densely populated neighbourhood.
The agency said the coordinated response helped contain the fire and avert what could have been a more devastating incident.
During the rescue and firefighting operation, two firefighters reportedly collapsed due to the intense heat and exhaustion encountered while working to bring the blaze under control.
The affected personnel were immediately attended to by emergency medical responders at the scene before receiving further medical evaluation. Authorities said both firefighters were stabilised, and no fatalities were recorded in the incident.
LASEMA commended the courage and professionalism displayed by the emergency responders, noting that their timely intervention was instrumental in limiting damage to the property and safeguarding nearby residents.
Officials also urged members of the public to take electrical safety seriously by ensuring that prepaid meters, wiring and other electrical installations are installed and maintained by qualified professionals.
The agency advised residents to avoid overloading electrical circuits and to switch off electrical appliances during prolonged power fluctuations, warning that sudden surges can trigger fires if safety measures are not observed.
LASEMA further encouraged property owners to install fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and other basic fire safety equipment while ensuring that emergency exits remain accessible.
The incident has renewed concerns about the increasing number of fire outbreaks linked to electrical faults in Lagos, particularly during periods of unstable power supply.
Emergency management experts have repeatedly emphasised the importance of routine electrical inspections and adherence to safety standards as key measures for preventing avoidable fires in homes, offices and commercial buildings.
Authorities said investigations into the incident are continuing, although preliminary assessments strongly suggest that the electrical surge from the prepaid meter was responsible for igniting the fire.
LASEMA reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property through rapid emergency response while urging residents to promptly report fire outbreaks and other emergencies to the appropriate authorities to minimise casualties and property damage.
