A fuel tanker on Friday caught fire while offloading diesel at a Rain Oil filling station in the Tumfure area of Gombe State, sparking panic before firefighters brought the situation under control.
The Federal Fire Service, Gombe State Command, said its officers responded swiftly after receiving a distress call, preventing the fire from spreading and causing a major disaster.
Speaking on the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service in the state, ASF MB Muazu, said the quick and professional action of the firefighters stopped the tanker from being completely consumed by the fire.
“Upon receiving the distress call, our officers were immediately mobilised to the scene. Through timely and professional intervention, the fire was successfully contained, averting a potentially catastrophic situation,” Muazu said.
He explained that the location of the incident made it highly dangerous, as the filling station is close to other fuel outlets, busy commercial areas and the NNPC Depot in Tumfure.
“The affected area is a highly sensitive commercial environment. Our swift response prevented a possible chain reaction that could have affected nearby facilities and properties estimated at over ₦500 million,” he added.
Muazu confirmed that no life was lost during the incident, describing the outcome as proof of the service’s readiness to protect lives and property.
“No casualty was recorded. This shows our level of preparedness and commitment to public safety,” he said.
The fire service spokesman advised operators of filling stations and other petroleum facilities to always follow safety rules, especially during the discharge of fuel products.
“We urge operators of filling stations and petroleum facilities to strictly observe safety standards to prevent avoidable incidents like this,” Muazu warned.
He also commended security agencies for their support during the operation.
“The cooperation and security cover provided by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Tumfure Division, and the Department of State Services greatly assisted our personnel in carrying out their duties effectively,” he said.
Residents of the Tumfure area later resumed normal activities after the fire was completely put out and the scene secured.
The incident comes just days after a deadly tanker explosion in Lagos. On Christmas Day, two people reportedly died when a fully loaded 33,000-litre petrol tanker exploded along the Badagry Expressway, near the Oto-Ijanikin axis, close to the Lagos State University of Education, at about 4 a.m.
