Sellers and buyers have been thrown into a state of panic as fire reportedly razed down a timber market in Kenyatta Street, Uwani, Enugu State, News About Nigeria reports.
It was gathered that the unfortunate incident happened in the late hours of Tuesday, destroying no fewer than five shops in the market.
A firefighter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the service had received a distress call around 9.45 pm that the market was on fire, and it immediately swung into action, quenching the fire before it spread to other parts of the timber market.
He noted that the prompt response of the service had prevented other shops from being gutted by the raging fire.
“As you can see, only about five shops were affected by the fire in this big market. I cannot say much on this incident as I am not the Chief Fire Officer,” he stated.
He, however, urged those selling at the timber market to be careful and conscious and avoid anything that can cause a fire outbreak, noting that fire can easily spread once started because of the large amount of wood in the market.
Similarly, an eyewitness who identified himself as Joe revealed to newsmen that he had noticed the fire immediately after the suspension of the nationwide industrial strike by the labour unions in the country.
According to him, some neighbours in the area rushed to the market, and within a few minutes, the fire service arrived and quenched the fire.
”I thank God and the fire service for the quick response, otherwise, it would have been disastrous,” he said.
