N2.5bn properties lost, six injured in fire incidents in Cross River in eight months – Fire service

Properties worth an estimated N2.5 billion were lost and six people injured in 17 fire incidents recorded in Cross River State between January and September 2026.

The State Fire Service Commanding Officer, Olumayowa Olomola, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Calabar.

Mrs Olomola said that no death was recorded in the incidents within the period under review, while six houses were gutted.

She said the fire incidents occurred in different locations in the state, including private residences, the Governor’s Office, an educational institution, a market, timber shed, shopping mall, tanker spill, and an industrial facility.

Mrs Olomola identified inadequate security cover, lack of operational vehicles and diesel supply as some of the major challenges affecting the fire service operations.

The commander said that the issue of security was particularly challenging during emergency responses, as firefighters do not carry firearms and could be vulnerable to attacks by mobs during fire incidents.

She recalled an incident at the Goldie Market area, Calabar, on 11 January where its personnel were attacked while responding to an emergency.

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Mrs Olomola also identified inadequate operational vehicles, including fire tankers, ambulances and utility vehicles, as a major constraint to effective response to fire emergencies.

The commander called for an adequate and regular supply of diesel to enable its vehicles and other operational equipment to respond promptly to emergencies.

According to her, addressing the identified challenges would strengthen the service’s capacity to respond effectively to fire outbreaks and reduce the loss of lives and property in the state.