Narrow Streets, Major Flames: Fire Ravages Residential Building in Onitsha as Narrow Access Roads Delay Firefighting Response

 

Fire Ravages Residential Building in Onitsha as Narrow Access Roads Delay Firefighting Response

A destructive fire outbreak tore through a residential building located at No. 12 Nkisi Aroli Street, behind the prominent St. Charles College in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Tuesday, June 17, leaving behind a trail of devastation and renewed concerns over urban planning challenges in the bustling commercial city.

Flames reportedly erupted from a section of the building late in the afternoon and quickly escalated, fueled by the dry conditions and densely packed structures around it. Eyewitnesses recount the rapid spread of the blaze and the anxious moments that followed, as residents nearby struggled to contain their fears and protect their homes.

“The fire started all of a sudden from one end of the house. Before we knew it, the whole place was engulfed. People started running around, shouting, trying to help before the fire service arrived,” said a resident who lives near the scene. “When the firefighters came, they couldn’t even get their trucks close enough because there was no way in.”

Efforts to bring the inferno under control were significantly hampered by the area’s poor accessibility. The narrow and congested roads made it impossible for firefighting trucks to reach the affected building directly. Firemen were forced to extend their hoses over a considerable distance — reportedly about four electric poles away from the site — to commence their response from afar.

Despite their prompt arrival following a distress call, the fire had already done substantial damage before the crew could effectively intervene. According to an official statement issued by the Anambra State Fire Service on Wednesday, two trucks and crews were deployed to the scene after receiving the alert. Unfortunately, the fire had gained ground by the time they managed to set up and begin fighting it.

Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa, who heads the state’s fire service, confirmed the incident and highlighted the serious challenges his team faced while attempting to mitigate the damage.

“Our firefighters were on ground quickly, but they couldn’t reach the burning structure directly due to the chaotic layout of the neighborhood,” Chiketa noted. “Over five additional hose lengths were added to bridge the distance from where the trucks had to stop. The men did all they could under difficult conditions.”

Thankfully, no casualties were reported, though the building and properties within it were severely damaged. Residents described the situation as “tense” and “frightening,” especially for those in nearby homes who feared the flames might spread. Many joined the firefighting effort in whatever way they could, passing water, clearing paths, and helping to manage the growing crowd.

The incident has reignited discussions around urban planning and emergency accessibility, especially in older parts of cities like Onitsha. Areas characterized by haphazard construction, lack of zoning, and insufficient infrastructure are increasingly becoming fire hazards, not necessarily because of their construction materials, but due to the near-impossible access routes for emergency responders.

Chiketa emphasized the need for communities and homeowners to begin prioritizing access in their development plans, especially when lives and property are at stake. He strongly condemned the lack of proper roads in the affected neighborhood and urged traditional rulers, landlords, and community leaders to ensure road accessibility is factored into future building and expansion efforts.

“The courage and resilience of our fire crews will always be present,” he stated. “But we cannot allow them to continue operating under such preventable handicaps. The people must partner with us, not only by calling for help but by ensuring we can reach them when we do.”

Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials have not ruled out electrical faults or unattended flames as potential triggers. Local authorities are expected to assess the damage fully and investigate the source once safety inspections are concluded.

The aftermath of the fire has left residents shaken but united, with many expressing gratitude that no lives were lost and hopeful that the harrowing experience will prompt lasting infrastructural reforms. As cleanup efforts begin, the bigger question looms: How many more lives and homes must be threatened before proper access to emergency services becomes a reality in Anambra’s crowded neighborhoods?