A fire, ignited by a spark from solar wiring yesterday, destroyed a residential building and property in Ilorin, Kwara State.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the fire incident, which gutted a three-bedroom flat, occurred at 5pm at No. 38 Oluwalogbon Street, Ijooro area, off Asa Dam Road, Ilorin.

It was gathered that the timely intervention of the men of the Kwara State Fire Service saved the building from total destruction by the rampaging fire.

The spokesperson of the state Fire Service, Hakeem Adekunle, confirmed the incident. Adekunle said: "The Fire Service received the distress call and turned out at 16:14hrs to a building comprising approximately three-bedroom flats, where a fire outbreak had affected one of the rooms.

"Our firefighters swiftly commenced firefighting operations and successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to the other parts of the building.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that a spark emanating from the solar wiring ignited combustible materials within the affected room.

"The incident underscores the importance of ensuring that solar and electrical installations are properly installed and regularly maintained by qualified professionals."

The chief fire officer, Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters for their swift response and urged residents to pay close attention to the safety of solar and electrical installations in their homes.

He advised property owners to use qualified professionals for electrical and solar installations and to ensure that damaged or faulty wiring is promptly addressed to prevent fires.