Bad cooking gas cylinder cause of Surulere fire, LASEMA says

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has stated that a building in Surulere, Lagos housing gutted by fire was caused by a faulty cooking gas valve that exploded.

Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA's Director-General, revealed on Sunday, January 17, that no life was lost in the blaze owing to the quick appearance of the agency as first responders.

“The bungalow property comprised nine rooms, including 12 shops was extensive damage. The agency worked alongside the Lagos State Fire Service to extinguish the fire and the operation was concluded in just under two hours on Saturday.

“The entire building has been destroyed and will require integrity testing by the Lagos State Building Control Agency LABSCA, while the building has been cordoned off accordingly,” he said.

Oke-Osanyintolu also added that the incident occurred due to the carelessness of one of the tenants, who was cooking with a leaking gas cylinder, which affected other people’s properties in the building.

He advised residents to keep off the scene, while also advising members of the public to ensure that their gas cylinders are always in good condition, to avoid fire outbreak.