Firefighters battled late into Thursday night to contain a fire that engulfed the AYM Shafa Petrol Station in Area 3, Abuja.
The Federal Fire Service (FFS) said its personnel were deployed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings and bring the situation under control.
In a statement issued late Thursday, National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services, DCF Paul Abraham, sympathised with residents, motorists and business owners affected by the incident, assuring them that public safety remained the agency’s top priority.
“The Federal Fire Service empathises with everyone affected by the ongoing fire incident at AYM Shafa Petrol Station, Area 3, Abuja. We understand the concern this situation may have caused to residents, motorists, business owners, and members of the public, and we assure everyone that their safety remains our highest priority,” the statement read.
The agency appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid gathering around the scene, warning that such actions could obstruct emergency responders.
It urged onlookers to keep a safe distance to give firefighters and other emergency personnel enough room to carry out their operations.
The FFS also advised motorists to avoid the Area 3 corridor and use alternative routes to ease traffic congestion and allow emergency vehicles unhindered access. It called on road users to cooperate with traffic management officials and other agencies at the scene.
Abraham said additional verified information would be released as response efforts and investigations continue, while thanking members of the public for their understanding and cooperation.
(The Whistler)