A fire outbreak on Monday afternoon gutted an Airtel telecommunications mast located at mast 614, Osin-Okete area, Osin in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to a statement from the Kwara State Fire Service, the fire started around 1:27 p.m. and affected the power generator installed at the base of the mast. Firefighters were able to respond quickly and bring the blaze under control before it spread to surrounding equipment or nearby structures.
The spokesman for the fire service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident in a press release issued on Monday evening.
“Upon arrival, the fire crew found the network mast engulfed in flames. A generator at the site was affected. However, the swift and coordinated actions of the firefighters significantly limited further damage,” the statement said.
Emergency teams arrived at the site within minutes of the alert and immediately began firefighting operations. The fire was brought under control by 2:04 p.m., according to the report.
“The entire firefighting operation lasted less than 40 minutes from the time we arrived at the scene,” Adekunle said. “Our officers acted swiftly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the facility or nearby properties.”
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the fire service said preliminary investigations are ongoing and the findings will be made public once concluded.
“We are compiling preliminary findings. A detailed report will be released after thorough investigation to determine what triggered the fire,” the fire service spokesman noted.
There were no casualties reported during the incident, and no significant network disruption was immediately announced by Airtel Nigeria as of the time of filing this report.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, praised the prompt intervention by his team, saying their professionalism helped avert what could have been a major disaster.
“Our crew’s quick response and tactical approach saved millions worth of equipment. It could have been worse,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to remind companies and facility managers of the importance of regular safety checks, especially around electrical and fuel-powered installations like generators.
“We urge the public, especially those managing critical infrastructure, to maintain proper electrical and fuel safety measures,” he warned. “Emergencies must be reported early to reduce damage and risk to life.”
Incidents involving telecom infrastructure are relatively rare but can be dangerous due to the presence of high-voltage equipment and fuel-powered backup systems.
The fire at the Airtel mast serves as a reminder of the need for constant maintenance, regular inspection of power systems, and strict adherence to safety guidelines.
The Kwara State Fire Service also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and to contact emergency services at the first sign of danger.
As of press time, Airtel Nigeria has not issued an official statement regarding the incident or any impact on network coverage in the Ilorin area. However, sources suggest that the swift containment of the fire helped prevent serious network disruption.
Residents of the Osin-Okete area reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the site before the arrival of emergency responders.
