A major fire broke out late Thursday at the AYM Shafa filling station in the Area 3 district of Abuja, prompting an emergency response from the Federal Fire Service.
The inferno, which reportedly started around 10 p.m., was still burning at the time of filing this report, with firefighters working to bring the situation under control and prevent the flames from spreading to nearby structures.
The cause of the fire had not been established as of press time.
Confirming the incident, the National Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Paul Abraham, said emergency personnel were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the blaze and safeguard surrounding buildings and facilities.
Abraham said the agency sympathised with residents, motorists, business owners and others affected by the incident, assuring the public that firefighters were making every effort to extinguish the fire as quickly and safely as possible.
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He noted that protecting lives and property remained the service’s top priority, adding that personnel on the ground were focused on preventing the fire from escalating.
The fire service spokesperson appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid the affected area to allow emergency responders carry out their duties without obstruction.
He also advised motorists to use alternative routes to ease traffic congestion around Area 3 and cooperate with traffic officials and other emergency agencies managing the situation.
Abraham assured the public that the Federal Fire Service would continue to provide verified updates as more information becomes available.