At least five separate fire incidents were recorded across the Kano metropolis within a 24-hour period, between January 27 and 28, 2026, raising concerns over fire safety in the state. The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incidents, which occurred in Nassarawa, Fagge, and Kano Municipal local government areas.
According to the Fire Service, swift response by its personnel helped to contain the fires and prevent what could have been massive destruction of lives and property. No deaths were reported in the incidents, although properties worth millions of naira were damaged.
The incidents were disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Saminu Yusif Abdullahi. He said distress calls were received from different parts of the city, prompting the rapid deployment of firefighters from various stations.
The first fire outbreak was reported in the early hours of Tuesday at about 4:17 a.m. at Badawa area in Nassarawa Local Government Area. The fire affected a pharmacy shop measuring approximately 10 by 15 feet.
According to the statement, firefighters from the Dakata Fire Station were immediately mobilised to the scene.
“Our men from Dakata Fire Station were immediately mobilised to the scene. On arrival, the fire was already under control, and only a section of the pharmacy was slightly affected,” Abdullahi said.
The second incident was recorded later in the day at about 1:20 p.m. along Maiduguri Road in the Danladi Nasidi Housing Estate. The fire was reported by officials of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Firefighters from the Danladi Nasidi Fire Station responded to the distress call and discovered that the fire occurred in an open area used for telecommunications infrastructure.
“When our personnel arrived, they found an open space used for MTN and Airtel antenna installations. The fire was already under control on arrival, and no major damage was recorded,” the statement noted.
Another fire outbreak occurred at about 6:30 p.m. at Singar Market, opposite Bello Dandago, a busy commercial area in Kano. The fire involved a container truck with registration number AGL 276 XY, which was loaded with cartons of Indomie noodles.
Firefighters from the Sabon Gari Fire Station were quickly dispatched to the scene. On arrival, they discovered the container truck engulfed in flames.
“Our men discovered the container van in flames. Some parts of the vehicle and its contents were slightly affected, but by Allah’s intervention and the quick response of our personnel, the fire was successfully extinguished and major damage was prevented,” Abdullahi said.
The fourth incident was recorded along Independence Road, opposite Aminci Radio, also in Nassarawa Local Government Area. The fire broke out in an open space used as a steel turning and processing plant.
The fire caused damage to several pieces of equipment before it was brought under control. Items affected include six steel turning machines, two fixed generators, two mobile generators, streetlight steel poles, solar panels, and pallet-cutting equipment.
Firefighters battled the blaze for several minutes before successfully putting it out and preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.
The fifth and final fire incident within the 24-hour period occurred at Ja’en, opposite Ajawa. The fire affected a ground-floor residential building measuring about 25 by 25 feet, comprising two rooms and a kitchen.
Firefighters from the Sharada Fire Station responded promptly and were able to extinguish the fire. Although parts of the building were slightly affected, the quick intervention prevented total destruction of the house and surrounding buildings.
Residents in the affected areas expressed relief at the timely response of the Fire Service, noting that fires often spread rapidly in densely populated parts of Kano if not quickly controlled.
Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous cities, has witnessed frequent fire outbreaks in recent years, especially during the dry season. Experts say factors such as poor electrical wiring, illegal power connections, use of open flames, and improper storage of flammable materials often contribute to the incidents.
Markets, residential areas, and small business premises are particularly vulnerable, as many buildings lack basic fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.
Reacting to the incidents, the Kano State Fire Service urged residents to observe basic fire safety measures to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
“We advise members of the public to always switch off electrical appliances when not in use, avoid illegal electrical connections, store flammable materials properly, and install fire extinguishers where possible,” Abdullahi said.
He also appealed to residents to report fire outbreaks promptly to the nearest fire station to allow for quick response and minimise damage.
They also called on building owners, market associations, and business operators to invest in basic safety tools and ensure regular inspection of electrical installations.
The Kano State Government has in recent years promised to strengthen the Fire Service through the provision of modern equipment, training, and additional fire stations across the metropolis. Officials say such investments are crucial to protecting lives and property.
Residents have also been urged to cooperate with emergency responders and avoid obstructing access roads during fire incidents, as delays can worsen damage.
The five incidents recorded within such a short period have once again highlighted the need for improved fire safety awareness and preparedness in Kano.
While the prompt actions of the Kano State Fire Service helped avert major disasters in these cases, authorities warn that prevention remains the best solution to reducing fire outbreaks and their devastating effects.