Ola Akinwunmi
A devastating fire swept through the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) office in Oshodi, Lagos, on Christmas Day, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The inferno, which broke out around midnight, has extensively damaged property worth millions of naira.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), swiftly sprang into action to contain the blaze. As of 4 a.m. on Boxing Day, rescue operations were ongoing, focusing on preventing the flames from spreading to adjacent offices and buildings.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. However, the cause of the fire remains unknown, pending further investigation.
The FIIRO office, located near the Cappa Bus Stop in Oshodi, is a key research institution in Nigeria, focusing on industrial research and development. The extent of the damage to the facility’s infrastructure and research equipment is yet to be assessed.
Though no casualty has been recorded, the fire has extensively destroyed property worth millions of naira.This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention measures, particularly in high-risk areas such as offices and research institutions.