Traders Count Losses as Fire Guts 17 Shops at Anambra Timber Market

By Praise Chinecherem

About 17 shops have been gutted by fire at the popular timber market, Umuokpu, Awka, Anambra State.

The incident which occurred around 10pm on Tuesday, lasted for over three hours before it was extinguished.

Anambra Daily learnt that no life was lost in the inferno which cause was yet to be ascertained.

Confirming the incident, State Fire Chief, Engr. Martin Agbili the fire would have spread to many other shops in the area if not for quick response of his men.

He said, “At about 1016hrs (10.16pm), Tuesday 21-02-2023, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of heavy fire outbreak at Timber Market, Umuokpu Awka.

“Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and brave firefighters to the fire scene. The heavy fire was later fought to standstill.

“The cause of the fire is unknown and no life was lost. About 17 shops were badly affected but we were able to controll the fire from spreading to many other shops.

“Time of Withdrawal from the fire scene was 0106hrs (01.06am). We are still at the peak of HARMATTAN, please avoid anything which can cause fire outbreak.

“Always remember that time of fire call will determine time of response to fire incident.”