The Kwara State Fire Service has attributed a fire outbreak in the Pakata area of Ilorin to a power surge, noting that swift intervention by its personnel prevented widespread destruction.

The incident occurred at No. 61, Ita-Ogunbo area, Pakata Road, Ilorin, on Saturday at 11:09 am. Confirming the incident in a statement signed on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer and Head of Media Unit, Mr Hassan Adekunle, on behalf of the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, the agency said, "The Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak at No. 61 Pakata Road, Ita-Ogunbo Area, Ilorin, Kwara State.

"The incident involved a building comprising eight rooms and five shops, of which one shop was affected by the fire."

Adekunle said firefighters promptly arrived at the scene and, through swift intervention, successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to other shops, rooms, and nearby properties.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by a power surge, which ignited combustible materials within the affected shop.

"The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, advised residents and business owners to use standard electrical installations, install surge protectors, and avoid leaving electrical appliances unattended during unstable power supply.

"He further emphasised the importance of equipping premises with portable fire extinguishers to tackle fires at an early stage.

"The Kwara State Fire Service reiterates its commitment to protecting lives and property and urges the public to remain vigilant at all times," he said.