The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has revealed that properties worth about ₦1.5 billion were saved in Abuja following prompt response to several fire incidents recorded within the first hours of 2026 across Nigeria.
Fire fighters ushered in the new year on full operational alert under the no-leave directive issued by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, a decision that proved crucial as emergency calls started pouring in from different parts of the country soon after midnight on January 1.
The directive, issued in December, barred firefighters across the country from being furloughed throughout the festive period in a bid to strengthen preparedness during a season traditionally associated with heightened fire risks.
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PO Abraham, Head, Corporate Services, Federal Fire Service, National Headquarters, said in a statement on Friday that in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the first recorded fire incident of 2026 occurred at about 12:23am at the Cake Hot Restaurant located within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja.
It also said that firefighters of the Federal Fire Service, working in collaboration with the FCT Fire Service, extinguished the fire at the busy entertainment area before it escalated.
Although a portion of the restaurant's garden was affected, no lives were lost and no one was injured, the statement said.
“Although losses were estimated at about ₦500 million, properties worth about ₦1.5 billion were successfully saved.
“Preliminary investigations linked the outbreak to objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing repeated warnings against the use of fireworks and similar materials.
“The Abuja incident follows an earlier public safety advisory by the Comptroller General, who cautioned Nigerians to avoid indoor fireworks, candles and all forms of open flames, especially during the Harmattan season when dry conditions allow fires to spread rapidly,” the statement said.
The service has also warned against electrical faults and power surges, urging citizens to switch off and unplug appliances when not in use, avoid overloading sockets and extension boxes and exercise more caution during festivities.
Beyond the nation's capital, firefighters were simultaneously deployed to fire incidents in Lagos, Imo, Gombe, Kwara and other states, highlighting the importance of maintaining full manpower and readiness during peak-risk periods.
However, the new year also brought a sad reminder of the devastating consequences of preventable fires. In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, firefighters responded to a residential fire in a wooden structure.
“While property worth about ₦10 million was saved, the loss was estimated at ₦20 million.
“The incident took the life of an 11-year-old boy, with preliminary findings indicating that the fire was caused by an unattended candle,” it said.
While describing the Yenagoa incident as extremely tragic and avoidable, the Federal Fire Service emphasized that many fire incidents are caused by everyday activities that can be prevented through simple precautions and adherence to safety guidelines.
Comptroller General Adeyemi sympathized with the owner of the affected restaurant in Abuja and extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the child who lost his life in Yenagoa.
He again urged Nigerians to take Harmattan-season fire safety warnings seriously and reminded the public to turn off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use or when leaving their homes, avoid fireworks, candles and open flames indoors, remain vigilant during festivities and report fire incidents immediately.
He advised members of the public to contact the Federal Fire Service through its emergency line, 08032005737, or immediately report to the nearest fire service station in case of an outbreak.
“As we have seen from Abuja to Yenagoa, fires can start in a matter of seconds. But with vigilance and adherence to basic safety measures, many of these incidents can be prevented.
“Life and livelihood must always come before celebration,” Adeyemi warned.
