A fuel tanker conveying diesel was on Friday engulfed by fire while offloading its contents at the Rain Oil Filling Station in the Tumfure area of Gombe, Gombe State.
The Federal Fire Service, Gombe State Command, said its personnel swiftly brought the fire under control after receiving a distress call, preventing the incident from escalating into a major disaster.
According to the Service, firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene, a response that ensured the tanker was not completely consumed by the blaze.
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 officers averted a catastrophic outcome.
“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 stated.
He noted that the location of the filling station made the incident particularly dangerous, given its closeness to other filling stations, commercial facilities 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 said.
Muazu confirmed that no casualty was recorded, describing the outcome as evidence of the Service’s readiness and dedication to safeguarding lives and property.
He urged operators of filling stations and petroleum facilities to strictly comply with safety standards, especially during the discharge of petroleum products.
“We urge operators of filling stations and petroleum facilities to always adhere strictly to safety standards to prevent avoidable incidents of this nature,” he added.
The fire service spokesperson also praised officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Tumfure Division, and the Department of State Services for providing security and support during the operation.
“The cooperation and security cover provided by officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS greatly assisted our personnel in effectively carrying out their duties,” Muazu said.
Residents of the area have since returned to their normal activities following the successful containment of the fire.
The incident comes days after a fully loaded 33,000-litre petrol tanker exploded along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos on Christmas Day, killing two people.