A fierce fire swept through a multi-storey commercial and residential building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Thursday, destroying property worth millions of naira and causing panic among residents, traders and business owners in one of the city’s busiest commercial districts.
The fire, which reportedly started around 2pm, quickly spread through sections of the building, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and attracting hundreds of onlookers. Eyewitnesses said occupants scrambled to safety after noticing smoke from the upper floors before flames engulfed parts of the structure. Emergency services were immediately alerted as fears grew that the fire could spread to neighbouring buildings.
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, supported by personnel of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), arrived at the scene and launched an intensive firefighting operation. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before eventually bringing it under control and preventing further escalation. Several occupants who suffered smoke inhalation were treated by medical personnel, while no fatalities had been confirmed as of the time of reporting.
Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said preliminary investigations indicated that an electrical fault may have triggered the incident. She advised residents, property owners and business operators to pay greater attention to electrical safety measures, warning against overloading circuits and neglecting routine maintenance of electrical installations.
The fire disrupted commercial activities across the area, forcing traders to temporarily shut down their businesses while emergency responders secured the environment. Property owners have been advised to cooperate with relevant authorities in assessing structural damage before commencing repair works.
Building fires remain a recurring concern in Lagos, particularly in densely populated commercial districts where ageing infrastructure, poor electrical systems and overcrowded structures increase vulnerability to disasters. Experts have repeatedly called for stricter compliance with safety regulations and routine inspections of buildings to reduce fire-related incidents.
The Lagos State Government has also continued to emphasise the importance of fire prevention measures, urging residents to install safety equipment and report potential hazards before they escalate into emergencies.
