Firefighters of the Federal Fire Service on Monday night successfully contained a fire outbreak at De Bently Hotel in Utako, Abuja, preventing the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings and averting what could have been a major disaster.
The firefighting operation was personally led by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, who directed the emergency response team after the Service received a distress call at 8:28 p.m. reporting a fire at the four-storey commercial building.
Personnel from the Wuse Fire Station were immediately mobilised, departing the station at 8:30 p.m. and arriving at the scene by 8:38 p.m. to begin firefighting operations.
On arrival, firefighters discovered flames affecting parts of the building, which occupies an estimated 500 square metres. The crew quickly deployed multiple water jets and coordinated suppression efforts using several firefighting appliances and water tenders to contain the blaze.
According to preliminary reports, the fire may have been triggered by a gas explosion, although the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.
Initial assessments put the total value of property at the facility at about ₦1 billion, with approximately ₦650 million worth of property saved, while ₦350 million was affected by the fire. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were recorded during the incident.
Police patrol teams and other emergency responders were also present at the scene to provide security and operational support throughout the operation.
Commending the firefighters for their swift response, Adeyemi said, “The prompt intervention and professionalism of our personnel prevented the fire from escalating into a more devastating situation.”
He added that a team of fire investigators has been deployed to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The Federal Fire Service also urged hotel operators, businesses and members of the public to strictly comply with fire safety regulations, particularly in the handling and storage of gas cylinders and other combustible materials.
The agency further stressed the importance of early reporting of fire emergencies to enable rapid response and reduce potential damage.