Multiple Fire Outbreaks Rattle Yenagoa Residents

Two separate fire incidents that occurred in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital on Monday and Tuesday were now causing apprehension among the residents

The first fire outbreak which occurred on Monday evening in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, destroyed over 30 make-shift buildings located at Shell Ramp, Swali community.

The inferno which started at about 6.30 pm, destroyed valuable property  including vehicles worth millions of naira.

Officials of the state fire service and some public spirited individuals rushed to the scene to assist in putting off the fire with water,sand and detergents.

Some of the victims including commercial sex workers were now squatting with friends and relations in the state capital.

There was no casualty recorded but the victims of the incident were said to be counting their losses.

The Tide gathered that it was the timely intervention of the men of the state fire services that prevented the fire from spreading to the nearby popular Swali market.

The cause of the inferno was attributed to an explosion which set blaze adulterated petroleum products being sold by an illegal bunkerer.

The area is said to be a den for bunkerers, commercial sex workers and other illicit traders.

Several efforts by law enforcement agents to dislodge them was unsuccessful, according to a police officer who pleaded anonymous.

When The Tide in Yenagoa visited the scene, thick smoke was still oozing out from the ashes.

But barely 72 hours after the incident,  another fire occurred at the  popular furniture firm in Yenagoa, destroying Royal Heroes Furniture and goods and property in the area.

An eyewitness and resident , Tari Henry, said the fire started from a waterfront where hordes of petroleum sellers reside.