A power surge has been identified as the preliminary cause of a fire that destroyed parts of a residential duplex, a boys’ quarters apartment, household furniture and a shuttle bus at Mopol Base Junction, along the Old Amansea-Awka Road in Anambra State.
A power surge occurs when there is a sudden and temporary increase in electrical voltage above the normal level supplied to a building. Such a surge can overload electrical wiring and appliances, potentially causing overheating, sparks and electrical fires.
The fire incident occurred on Saturday evening, September 5, 2026, with the blaze reportedly starting in one of the apartments at about 6:30pm before spreading to adjoining sections of the building and the vehicle parked within the compound.
The fire caused property damage estimated at several millions of naira but was eventually contained by personnel of the Anambra State Fire Service, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties.
No death or injury was recorded.
The Head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday.
Chiketa said the Fire Service received a distress call about the outbreak at approximately 6:30pm and immediately deployed personnel and firefighting equipment to the scene.
According to him, firefighters commenced aggressive containment and extinguishing operations upon arrival to prevent the flames from spreading to adjoining properties.
He said the fire affected a duplex containing a boys’ quarters apartment, while a shuttle bus was also parked within the compound.
Chiketa said the timely intervention of the firefighters enabled them to contain and extinguish the blaze before it could spread further.
The fire damaged roofing materials, household furniture, the shuttle bus, sections of the walls and other structural components of the premises.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire was caused by a power surge. Fortunately, no life was lost and no injury was recorded,” Chiketa said.
Personnel subsequently secured the scene after extinguishing the fire and ensuring that the premises were safe before withdrawing at about 7:30pm.
The Fire Service urged residents to make prompt emergency calls whenever they notice a fire outbreak, stressing that early intervention can help prevent fires from escalating and causing greater damage.
“Make that call in time, and get swiftiest response of the Fire Service,” Chiketa added.
