Two separate fire outbreaks hit filling stations in Kano State, destroying two petrol tankers and at least 17 tricycles, as emergency responders battle to prevent wider damage and loss of lives.
The Kano State Fire Service confirms the incidents, which occur on Tuesday night at different locations across the state. Mediaplusng.com reports that the fires break out during fuel offloading operations, raising fresh concerns over safety compliance at filling stations.
According to the Fire Service spokesperson, Saminu Abdullahi, the first incident happens at AA Ayagi Filling Station in Kanye village along Gwarzo Road, Kabo Local Government Area, at about 8:45 p.m. Firefighters receive an emergency alert and immediately mobilise to the scene.
On arrival, officers discover a petrol tanker already engulfed in flames while discharging premium motor spirit (PMS). The tanker, owned by AA Ayagi Company, is in the process of offloading fuel into underground storage tanks when the fire starts. Two compartments have already been emptied, while three others, containing an estimated 5,000 litres of fuel, are still being discharged.
Despite the swift response of firefighters from the Rijiyar Zaki division, the intensity of the fire leads to the complete destruction of the tanker. Fire officers manage to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures and facilities within the filling station.
Mediaplusng.com also learns that a second fire incident occurs the same night at Al-Wahida Nigeria Limited filling station located at Rimin Kebe Karshen Kwalta in Nassarawa Local Government Area. The fire breaks out during the offloading of petroleum products from a tanker belonging to BA Bello Company.
The tanker, which is conveying about 45,000 litres of fuel, catches fire mid-operation. Although firefighters respond promptly, the blaze damages the tanker head and part of its body. In addition, 17 tricycles, popularly known as Adaidaita sahu, parked within the station premises are completely burnt.
Fire service officials confirm that the situation is brought under control before the fire spreads to nearby buildings or causes casualties. Some parts of the tanker and a portion of the petroleum products are salvaged, limiting the scale of losses.
In a related incident, another fire outbreak is reported at Kundila Quarters near SALSA College in Kano. This residential fire affects a building, destroying one room, a toilet, and a corridor. Emergency responders manage to extinguish the fire before it consumes the entire structure.
Reacting to the series of incidents, the Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Sani Anas, urges filling station operators, tanker drivers, and fuel handlers to strictly observe safety guidelines. He warns that negligence during fuel handling and offloading continues to pose serious risks to lives and property.
Anas stresses that most filling station fires are avoidable if operators comply with standard safety procedures, including proper grounding of tankers, switching off engines during offloading, and restricting unauthorised access to discharge areas.
He also appeals to the general public to remain vigilant and report emergencies promptly, noting that early alerts help firefighters respond faster and reduce damage. The Fire Service assures residents that it remains on high alert to respond to emergencies across the state.
The incidents add to growing concerns over fire safety in fuel distribution and retail outlets, especially in densely populated urban areas. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes of the fires and to ensure that safety regulations are enforced to prevent future occurrences.
