Overloaded Solar Installation Sparks Fire in Ogbomoso Home, Says Oyo Fire Service

The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has blamed an overloaded solar power installation for a fire outbreak that damaged part of a residential building in Ogbomoso.

The agency said firefighters from its Ogbomoso Zonal Command responded quickly to the emergency and prevented the flames from spreading to nearby buildings.

In a statement, the agency disclosed that it received a distress call at about 4:59 p.m. on Thursday from a passerby and Mr. Adeoye Sina, who reported that a house was on fire in the Aaje Ologo area of Ogbomoso.

Following the alert, firefighters led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Dairo were immediately deployed to the scene.

On arrival, the crew found a private three-bedroom apartment completely engulfed in flames and thick smoke.

The firefighters promptly began firefighting operations and succeeded in bringing the blaze under control within a short time, preventing it from spreading to adjoining properties.

The agency confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident. It added that its swift intervention helped save properties worth millions of naira.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from an overloaded solar power installation mounted on the roof of the building.

After extinguishing the fire, officers conducted a brief fire safety awareness session for residents and sympathisers, educating them on measures to prevent similar incidents.

The statement further noted that after completing the operation, the firefighting team safely returned to base before being redeployed later in the evening to respond to a petrol tanker accident in the Apake area of Ogbomoso.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged members of the public to ensure that only qualified and certified technicians install solar power systems.

He advised that solar panels, inverters, batteries, cables and other accessories should meet approved safety standards and be properly sized to prevent overloading.

Akinwande also encouraged property owners to carry out regular inspections and maintenance of their solar installations, ensure adequate ventilation and cable protection, and avoid the use of substandard electrical components.

He warned against storing combustible materials close to solar installations or electrical equipment, noting that such practices significantly increase the risk of fire outbreaks.

The chairman further urged households, shops and commercial establishments to install functional fire extinguishers and strictly observe basic fire safety measures to protect lives and property.