Emma Elekwa

A residential apartment was on Friday gutted by fire along Ken Okoli Street, by Divine Hospital in Awka, Anambra state.

The incident which occured around 2.45pm involved a two-bedroom bungalow, formiy part of a property comprising a bungalow and another two-storey building.

The inferno which gutted contents of the building was reportedly triggered by a child in the facility said to be playing with lighter.

According to a witness, the child had ignited a lighter and placed it on a foam material.

“The foam caught fire and the flames rapidly spread, engulfing the affected building,” he said

Confirming the incident, State Fire Chief, Engr Chukwudi Chiketa said no casualty was recorded.

He advised parents and guardians to keep lighters, matches and other fire-starting materials away from children to avert future occurrence.

He said, The Anambra State Fire Service has responded to a fire incident at Ken Okoli Street, by Divine Hospital, Awka, which occurred on Friday, 25 September 2026.

“The Fire Service received the distress call at about 1530 hours, following which firefighters were immediately mobilised to the scene.

“Firefighters carried out firefighting, containment and extinguishing operations, successfully bringing the fire under control and securing the scene.

“Preliminary information indicates that the fire started after a child ignited a lighter and placed it on a foam material. The foam caught fire and the flames rapidly spread, eventually engulfing the affected building.

“The fire involved a two-bedroom bungalow, which forms part of a property comprising a bungalow and another two-storey building. The bungalow and it’s contents were affected by the inferno.

“Fortunately, no casualty was recorded. The crew withdrew from the scene at about 16:50 hours.

“The Anambra State Fire Service advises parents and guardians to keep lighters, matches and other fire-starting materials away from children. A moment of unsupervised access to such items can quickly develop into a devastating fire.”