The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has disclosed that property valued at about ₦1.5 billion was saved in Abuja following swift responses to multiple fire outbreaks recorded within the first hours of 2026 across Nigeria.
Firefighters began the New Year on full operational alert under a no-leave directive issued by Olumode Adeyemi, Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, a decision that proved critical as emergency calls flooded in from different parts of the country shortly after midnight on January 1.
The directive, released in December, barred firefighters nationwide from proceeding on leave throughout the festive period, in a bid to strengthen preparedness during a season traditionally associated with heightened fire risks.
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A statement by P.O. Abraham, Head, Corporate Services, Federal Fire Service, National Headquarters on Friday, noted that in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the first recorded fire incident of 2026 occurred at about 12:23 a.m. at Cake Hot Restaurant, located within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja.
It also said that firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, working in collaboration with the FCT Fire Service, brought the blaze under control before it could escalate in the busy recreational area.
The statement noted that although a section of the restaurant’s garden was affected, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.
“While losses were estimated at about ₦500 million, property worth approximately ₦1.5 billion was successfully saved.
“Preliminary investigations linked the outbreak to objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing repeated warnings against the use of fireworks and similar materials.
“The Abuja incident followed earlier public safety advisories by the Controller-General, who had cautioned Nigerians to avoid fireworks, candles and all forms of open flames indoors, especially during the harmattan season when dry conditions allow fires to spread rapidly”, the statement read.
The Service also warned against electrical faults and power surges, urging citizens to switch off and unplug appliances when not in use, avoid overloading sockets and extension boxes, and exercise greater caution during festivities.
Beyond the nation’s capital, firefighters were simultaneously deployed to fire incidents in Lagos, Imo, Gombe, Kwara and other states, highlighting the importance of maintaining full manpower and readiness during peak-risk periods.
However, the New Year also brought a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of preventable fires. In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, firefighters responded to a residential fire involving a wooden structure.
“While property valued at about ₦10 million was saved, losses were estimated at ₦20 million.
“The incident claimed the life of an 11-year-old child, with preliminary findings indicating that the fire was caused by an unattended candle”, it added.
Describing the Yenagoa incident as deeply painful and avoidable, the Federal Fire Service stressed that many fire outbreaks result from everyday actions that could be prevented through simple caution and adherence to safety guidelines.
Controller-General Adeyemi expressed sympathy to the owner of the affected restaurant in Abuja and extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the child who lost their life in Yenagoa.
He again urged Nigerians to take harmattan-season fire safety warnings seriously and reminded the public to switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use or when leaving their homes, avoid fireworks, candles and open flames indoors, remain vigilant during celebrations, and promptly report fire outbreaks.
He advised members of the public to contact the Federal Fire Service through its emergency line, 08032005737, or report immediately to the nearest fire service station in the event of an outbreak.
“As we have seen from Abuja to Yenagoa, fire can break out in seconds. But with vigilance and adherence to basic safety measures, many of these incidents are preventable.
“Lives and livelihoods must always come before celebrations”, Adeyemi warned.
