Fire Razes Plastic Factory in Anambra

A fire outbreak has destroyed parts of a plastic manufacturing company along Umuoji Road in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, damaging goods and equipment worth millions of naira.

According to the Anambra State Fire Service, the incident occurred late on Saturday, May 16, with no casualties recorded.

Eyewitnesses said thick smoke engulfed parts of the factory before firefighters arrived to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

One resident told reporters that “the fire started from a corner of the complex before thick smoke engulfed a large section of the vicinity,” adding that the inferno burned for several minutes before emergency responders arrived.

Confirming the incident, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Mr Chukwudi Chiketa, said the agency received a distress call at about 5:20 p.m. and immediately deployed firefighters and equipment to the scene.

Mr Chiketa said the fire affected raw materials used for plastic production, parts of the building, production machines, finished plastic products and chemical drums stored within the premises.

He added that firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control in the early hours of Sunday.

“The firefighting team engaged the blaze with courage and professionalism, battling the fire continuously until it was finally brought under control,” he said.

According to preliminary investigations by the fire service, the incident was caused by welding activities carried out within the company premises earlier in the day.

Mr Chiketa said the swift response of firefighters helped save substantial property and equipment from destruction, while commending officers and men of the service for their professionalism and commitment to duty.

He also urged companies and residents to observe safety measures during welding operations and other heat-related industrial activities to prevent avoidable fire disasters.

The firefighters reportedly withdrew from the scene at about 5:20 a.m. on Sunday after completely containing the inferno.

The report was first published by punch