Fire destroys shops, stores at Kano market
A fire that erupted on Friday night in Kano State has resulted in significant damage to several shops at the Kofar Wanbai Market. The incident impacted six buildings primarily used for plastic trading and storage.
According to the Kano State Fire Service, the fire began at approximately 9:43 p.m. in the Babban Layi area, specifically in the Yan Robobi section of the market. A distress call from Principal Fire Superintendent Usman Idris Fagge prompted an immediate response from firefighters.
Firefighters from multiple stations, including the Service Headquarters, Rijiyar Zaki, Sabon Gari, Government House, and Bompai Fire Stations, quickly arrived at the scene, effectively containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading further within the market.
The affected structures include Gidan Alhaji Sani, Gidan Sani Muhammad, Gidan Alhaji Kwa Kwa, Gidan Alhaji Shafi’u, and Gidan Alhaji Sulaiman. The fire originated on the upper floor of the buildings, subsequently spreading down to the first and ground floors, ultimately affecting two shops on each of those levels, as well as six stores and four temporary stores situated upstairs.
Investigations into the cause of the fire have identified a solar power system as the source. Alhaji Sani Anas, Director of the Kano State Fire Service, emphasized the importance of preventive measures against fire incidents. He urged traders and residents to be vigilant and suggested that they install fire detectors and maintain functional fire extinguishers at their properties.
“Ensuring adherence to appropriate fire-safety measures is critical,” Anas stated, calling for heightened awareness to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks.
