Two separate fire outbreaks at filling stations in Kano State have destroyed two petrol tankers and 17 tricycles, though no lives were lost in the incidents.
The Kano State Fire Service confirmed that the first fire occurred at AA Ayagi Filling Station in Kanye village, along Gwarzo Road in Kabo Local Government Area, at about 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
According to the Fire Service Public Relations Officer, Saminu Abdullahi, firefighters were alerted to the incident by one of the service’s personnel and immediately deployed from the Rijiyar Zaki division.
On arrival, responders found a petrol tanker owned by AA Ayagi Company engulfed in flames while offloading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Abdullahi said two compartments of the tanker had already been discharged into the underground storage facility, while three compartments containing about 5,000 litres of fuel were still being offloaded when the fire broke out, leading to the complete destruction of the tanker.
The second incident occurred at Al-Wahida Nigeria Limited filling station in Rimin Kebe Karshen Kwalta, Nassarawa Local Government Area.
Abdullahi explained that the fire started during the offloading of petroleum products from a tanker belonging to BA Bello Company, which was transporting approximately 45,000 litres of fuel.
He noted that the blaze damaged the tanker’s head and part of its body, while 17 tricycles, popularly known as Adaidaita sahu, were completely burnt.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire before it spread further, salvaging some fuel and parts of the tanker.
In a related incident, another fire outbreak was reported at Kundila Quarters near SALSA College, where a residential building was affected. The fire destroyed one room, a toilet and a corridor.
Reacting to the incidents, the Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Sani Anas, urged filling station operators and tanker drivers to strictly adhere to safety regulations during fuel handling and offloading to prevent avoidable disasters.
