The Ondo State Government has issued a stern warning to petroleum marketers and tanker operators against discharging fuel during peak afternoon hours, following a major fire outbreak at the Optima Fuel Station along Oda Road, Akure.
The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, was triggered while a petrol tanker was offloading fuel into the station’s underground storage tank. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the station and causing extensive damage before emergency responders brought it under control.
Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Emergency Response, Prince Wellington Oriade Adebawo, said firefighters from the Ondo State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service responded promptly after distress calls were received.
According to him, the inferno was severe and nearly out of control, but the combined effort of both fire services, supported by multiple fire trucks and modern firefighting equipment, prevented loss of lives.
“No life was lost in the incident, but the damage to property was significant,” Adebawo said.
He disclosed that two out of the station’s four fuel pumps were completely destroyed, while the petrol tanker involved in the discharge was burnt beyond repair.
Reacting to the incident, the government issued a strong warning to fuel station operators and tanker drivers, blaming intense heat during afternoon hours as a major contributor to fire outbreaks.
“Our directive is clear: fuel tankers must not discharge products during peak afternoon heat. Discharge should be done in the evening when temperatures are lower. Any operator found violating this safety directive will be penalised,” he warned.
Adebawo also stressed the need for strict compliance with safety regulations at filling stations, noting that stations must be adequately equipped with fire extinguishers, sand buckets, and other basic firefighting tools to contain emergencies before the arrival of firefighters.
He revealed that fire service officers have been deployed across towns in the state to inspect filling stations and enforce compliance, adding that any station found lacking essential safety equipment would face sanctions.
Residents and business operators were urged to immediately report fire incidents through the national emergency number 112 or the fire service hotline 09021044441.
Preliminary investigations indicated that extreme heat from the sun ignited the highly flammable petrol during the discharge process.
It will be recalled that Optima Filling Station suffered a similar fire incident in 2023, when another branch of the station located at Aule area of Akure was razed by fire, raising renewed concerns about safety practices at fuel stations across the state.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, while calling on petroleum marketers to adhere strictly to safety guidelines to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
