CURRENT REPORT BLOG Millions of naira worth of goods and property were lost in separate fire incidents in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday. The first incident occurred at the Marine Base axis of the metropolis, opposite the Plank shade market, where a fire erupted in a shop at the plank shade in the morning. Eyewitnesses reported that residents and shop owners had nearly extinguished the fire before the arrival of firefighters. In a separate incident in the Rumueme axis of Mile 4 along Ikwerre Road, a fire broke out in a parking space, destroying various properties stored by a trader. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
During the Marine Base fire incident, some residents initially hindered the efforts of firefighters, but they were eventually allowed to extinguish the blaze. The second fire in Rumueme affected a rented space storing furniture and mattresses, causing significant property damage. While the Federal Fire Service responded promptly, residents emphasized the need for a functional state fire service to enhance quick response to emergencies. The incidents highlight the importance of effective firefighting measures and community preparedness to mitigate losses in future occurrences.
