Fire Destroys Properties Worth Over ₦3bn in Cross River

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) announced that fires caused over 3 billion naira in property damage in 2025.

Fire Chief Olumayowa Olomola made the announcement in Calabar, specifying that the damage resulted from 18 registered fires affecting 14 residential buildings.

She explained that the fires were caused by gas explosions, short circuits, brush fires, and accidents involving tanker trucks transporting petroleum products.

According to her, the fires resulted in two deaths and five injuries of varying severity.

Ms. Olomola emphasized that the fire service continues to fulfill its duties with the available resources but requested increased logistical support. She identified the biggest challenges facing the fire service, including insufficient diesel fuel supplies and a shortage of water tankers, ambulances, and emergency vehicles.

She also highlighted the need to build additional fire stations in the greater Calabar area and other municipalities in the state to improve emergency response times.