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| Photo credit — Fire Incident |
A fire broke out in a residential building in the Ijooro area of Asa-Dam, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday after a spark from solar wiring ignited nearby combustible materials. The Kwara State Fire Service responded promptly and limited the damage to a single room.
According to a statement from the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, firefighters received a distress call and arrived at No. 38 Oluwalogbon Street at 4:14 pm. The building contains approximately three-bedroom flats. Crews immediately began extinguishing the blaze and successfully stopped it from spreading to other rooms or neighbouring properties.
Preliminary findings by the Fire Service point to a spark originating from the solar wiring system. That spark came into contact with combustible materials inside the affected room and started the fire.
Chief Fire Officer Alabi Muhammed praised the rapid response of the firefighters. He used the incident to remind residents of the need for careful handling of solar and electrical systems.
“Property owners should engage qualified professionals for electrical and solar installations and ensure that damaged or faulty wiring is promptly attended to in order to prevent fire incidents,” Muhammed said.
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The agency also highlighted the importance of regular maintenance. Improperly installed or poorly maintained solar wiring can create serious fire risks, especially when combustible items are stored nearby.
Why solar-related fires are a growing concern
Solar power systems have become increasingly common across Nigeria as households and businesses seek reliable alternatives to the national grid. While solar offers clear benefits for energy access, installation quality varies widely.
Loose connections, undersized cables, damaged insulation, overloaded circuits, or the use of substandard components can all produce sparks or overheating.
In residential settings, rooms often contain fabrics, paper, plastics, or other flammable materials. A single spark in the wrong place can escalate quickly. The Ilorin incident is a reminder that even small systems require professional standards.
Practical steps to reduce the risk of solar wiring fires
Homeowners and landlords can take several concrete actions:
• Hire only certified and experienced technicians for installation and any later modifications. Avoid informal “handymen” for critical electrical work.
• Use quality cables, connectors, charge controllers, inverters, and protective devices that meet recognised standards.
• Keep solar wiring and components clear of combustible materials. Maintain clear space around batteries, inverters, and junction boxes.
• Schedule regular inspections. Look for signs of wear, loose terminals, discoloration, unusual heat, or burning smells. Address problems immediately.
• Install appropriate circuit protection (fuses, breakers, residual-current devices) and ensure the system is correctly sized for the load.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher (suitable for electrical fires) accessible and ensure household members know how to use it.
• Avoid DIY modifications or “temporary” wiring fixes that can introduce hidden faults.
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What to do if you suspect a problem
If you notice flickering lights, warm sockets, buzzing sounds, or a burning odour near solar equipment, switch off the system if it is safe to do so and contact a qualified electrician. Do not ignore early warning signs.
The Kwara State Fire Service has reaffirmed its readiness to respond to emergencies across the state. Officials continue to encourage the public to treat solar and electrical safety with the same seriousness given to other household hazards.
This incident caused no reported injuries and was contained quickly thanks to the firefighters’ efforts. It nevertheless serves as a useful prompt for anyone with a solar installation to review their setup and maintenance practices.
By prioritising professional workmanship and routine checks, residents can enjoy the advantages of solar power while significantly lowering the chance of a similar fire.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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