A careless fire set on an undergrowth and refuse dump in Ilorin, Kwara has destroyed a block of classrooms at Grace International School in Tanke area, Ilorin and another four rooms at Akumaju compound, Ita-Amodu area in Ilorin West local government area of the state between Sunday night and Monday morning.

The Kwara State Fire Service said that while the fire set on an undergrowth by unknown people destroyed nine of the 14 classrooms at the Grace International School located on Awolowo Street, beside Kobiowu Mosque in the Tanke area of Ilorin South Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, another incident from a refuse dump destroyed four of the six rooms in the Ita-Amodu area of Ilorin.

The state fire service in a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle, said it was alerted to the fire incident at the school in the evening of Sunday, February 25, 2024, at approximately 18:06pm.

“Upon arrival at the scene, they were met with a distressing sight: a block of classrooms engulfed in flames. Undeterred, the firefighters sprang into action, demonstrating their expertise and dedication to combating the blaze. Despite the intensity of the fire, their efforts were focused and unwavering.

“Tragically, the fire had already ravaged nine out of the 14 classrooms, leaving a significant portion of the school in ruins.

“Through meticulous investigation, it was determined that the fire originated from an undergrowth that had been deliberately set ablaze by an unidentified individual. The flames then rapidly spread to the school building, causing extensive damage”, it said.

The statement further explained that, “Again, on Monday, February 26, 2024, at approximately 01:25am, the Kwara State Fire Service received an urgent call to respond to a fire at the Akumaju compound in the Ita-Amodu area of Ilorin. Without hesitation, the firefighters promptly departed from the station with their fire appliance.

“Upon arrival at the scene, they were met with a daunting sight: multiple rooms engulfed in flames. Undeterred, the firefighters sprang into action, showcasing their expertise and dedication to extinguishing the blaze. Despite the intensity of the fire, they managed to contain it, preventing further devastation.

“Sadly, the fire had already ravaged three out of the six rooms in the compound.

“Through thorough investigation, it was determined that the fire originated from a refuse set ablaze by an unidentified individual, which then spread to the affected rooms”, the statement said.

The Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, expressed his heartfelt condolences to those affected by the fire.

He emphasised the crucial importance of public vigilance and safety consciousness, urging citizens to remain vigilant to prevent similar incidents.

Falade also stressed the need for a collective effort in fostering a fire-conscious community and advised the people of the state at large to prioritise safety urging the public to be more careful in their day-to-day activities.