Fire swept through parts of the Practicing Primary School, St. Stephen Anglican Church, Umubelu, Awka, Anambra State, on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
Although no casualties were recorded, the fire, which was reportedly caused by bush burning, ravaged some parts of the roofing materials of the school’s classroom blocks.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the fire raged for several minutes before the intervention of the Anambra State Fire Service. The firefighters, who arrived promptly at the scene, were able to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.
Chukwudi Chiketa, the head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, confirmed the incident, stating, “On Saturday, January 11, 2025, at about 4:40 pm, the Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call reporting a bushfire outbreak at the Practicing Primary School… Immediately, a crew of firefighters and firefighting equipment were deployed to the scene, and the fire was fought and contained.”
Chiketa emphasized that the bushfire outbreak affected some parts of the roofing materials of the school’s classroom blocks but was stopped from further escalation by the Anambra firemen. He also noted that there were no casualties recorded and that the firefighters left the scene at 5:45 pm on the same day.
The fire service official cautioned that due to the dry season, people should avoid anything that could cause fire. He advised individuals to clear bushes and grasses surrounding their homes, offices, shops, factories, business areas, schools, and churches, among others, to prevent similar incidents.
