Firefighters Contain Fire At Plastic Recycling Firm In Kwara

The Kwara State Fire Service on Sunday contained a major fire outbreak at a plastic recycling facility in Ilorin, preventing what could have led to extensive loss of lives and property.

The incident occurred at about 5:10 p.m. at Madfa Nigeria Enterprises, located in the Olorunsogo, Biada area of Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara State.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, the Head of Media and Publicity for the service, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, stated that the affected building was used for plastic recycling, noting that the fire spread rapidly due to the presence of highly combustible plastic materials.

He explained that firefighters responded swiftly to the distress call and deployed two fire trucks to the scene, which helped bring the inferno under control.

“The fire was intense due to the nature of the materials involved, but the professional and gallant efforts of our firefighters significantly reduced its impact and prevented it from spreading to adjoining structures,” the statement said.

The Service commended the dedication and resilience of the officers on duty, noting that their coordinated response was instrumental in bringing the situation under control.

According to preliminary findings, the fire was caused by ongoing welding activities at the facility. It was gathered that the spark from a welding electrode fell on stacked plastic materials, igniting the fire and causing it to spread rapidly.

Reacting to the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, cautioned industrial operators and artisans against negligence during welding and other high-risk operations.

“I want to use this opportunity to advise companies to strictly observe fire safety protocols, including clearing combustible materials from welding areas, using fire-resistant shields and ensuring the availability of fire extinguishers,” he said.

Falade added that strict adherence to safety standards would significantly reduce the incidence of industrial fire outbreaks across the state, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to protecting lives, property and industrial assets in Kwara State.