The Kwara State Fire Service successfully contained a significant fire outbreak at a plastic recycling facility in Ilorin on Sunday, preventing extensive damage to lives and property. The incident occurred at approximately 5:10 pm at Madfa Nigeria Enterprises, situated in the Olorunsogo, Biada area of Ilorin South Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued on Sunday night by the Head of Media and Publicity, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the severity of the inferno was exacerbated by the presence of highly combustible plastic materials within the recycling plant. Firefighters responded promptly to the distress call, deploying two fire trucks to the scene to battle the intense blaze.

The statement noted that the professional efforts of the firefighters significantly reduced the impact and stopped the fire from spreading to adjoining structures. The Service commended the dedication and resilience of the officers on duty, highlighting that their coordinated response was essential in bringing the situation under control.

"Preliminary findings indicated that the fire was caused by ongoing welding activities within the facility. It was gathered that sparks from a welding electrode fell on stacked plastic materials, igniting the blaze and leading to its rapid spread," the statement added.

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, ensuring the availability of fire extinguishers," he said.

Falade noted that strict adherence to safety standards would significantly reduce the incidence of industrial fire outbreaks across the state.

"The Service's commitment to protecting lives, property and industrial assets in Kwara State," he said.