A fire outbreak has destroyed parts of a popular eatery known as Restaurants House located behind Old English in Agu-Awka, Awka, Anambra State, burning roofs, furniture, equipment, and sections of the building.
Eyewitnesses said the fire started suddenly around midnight on Wednesday from a section of the building and quickly spread to the roof before firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service arrived at the scene. The operatives were able to bring the fire under control and prevented it from spreading to nearby structures.
Although the exact cause of the fire was not immediately known and no casualties were recorded, significant damage had already been done before the fire was extinguished.
The Media and Communication Team of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Chiketa said a distress call was received at about 12:45 am on Wednesday night, which led to the immediate deployment of firefighters to the scene.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Fire Service wishes to inform the public of a fire incident that occurred at Restaurants House, located behind Old English.
“The distress call was received at approximately 0045 hours of Wednesday, 15th April, 2026, upon which fire service personnel were immediately mobilised and dispatched to the scene.
“On arrival, firefighters encountered a fire outbreak within the premises and swiftly commenced firefighting operations. Through prompt and professional response, the fire was successfully contained and extinguished, preventing further escalation.
“The cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained at the time of this report. No casualties or injuries were recorded during the incident.”
He added that firefighters stayed on ground to ensure complete extinguishing of the fire and to prevent any possible re-ignition before leaving the scene.
“The Anambra State Fire Service reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges residents to remain vigilant and adhere to fire safety precautions at all times,” the statement added.
In a separate incident, a fire also engulfed a one-storey residential building at Ngozika Estate, Awka, destroying roofing sheets, household furniture, and parts of the building structure.
The cause of the second fire was also not immediately known, but no lives were lost in the incident.
Chiketa, in another statement, said firefighters were promptly deployed after receiving a distress call.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Fire Service wishes to inform the general public of a fire incident that occurred on April 10, 2026, at No. 22 Street, Ngozika Estate, Awka.
“The distress call was received at exactly 1245 hours, reporting a fire outbreak at the aforementioned address. Upon receipt of the call, our firemen were immediately mobilised and swiftly dispatched to the scene.
“On arrival, firefighters encountered a fire involving a one-storey duplex situated on a single plot of land. The team promptly commenced firefighting operations, effectively containing and extinguishing the blaze, thereby preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that the fire caused significant damage to the roofing materials, household furniture, and parts of the building walls.
“However, the exact cause of the fire could not be determined at the time of this report. We are pleased to report that no casualties or injuries were recorded during the incident.”
He further noted that firefighters remained at both scenes for hours to ensure full extinguishment and safety before withdrawal, while urging residents to always observe fire safety precautions and report emergencies quickly.
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