A fire outbreak has destroyed parts of a plastic manufacturing company located along Umuoji Road in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, razing goods and equipment valued at several millions of naira.
The incident, which occurred late on Saturday, reportedly originated from welding activities carried out within the factory premises earlier in the day.
Although no life was lost in the inferno, valuable materials and production equipment were extensively damaged before firefighters succeeded in bringing the situation under control.
Eyewitnesses around the area said thick smoke engulfed the factory shortly after the fire started from one section of the complex.
According to residents, the blaze spread rapidly and raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived at the scene to prevent it from extending to nearby buildings.
“The fire started from one corner of the factory and smoke quickly covered the area. It burnt for a while before firefighters eventually arrived,” an eyewitness said.
Items reportedly destroyed in the incident included raw materials for plastic production, sections of the building, manufacturing machines, finished plastic products and chemical drums stored within the premises.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters were immediately mobilised after the agency received a distress call.
He explained that the emergency team battled the fire for several hours before finally containing the blaze.
“The Anambra State Fire Service successfully contained a fire outbreak at a plastic manufacturing company along Umuoji Road, Nkpor, in Idemili North Local Government Area,” Chiketa stated.
“The distress call was received at about 5:20pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene.”
According to him, the firefighters displayed professionalism and courage while combating the inferno, thereby saving substantial property and equipment from total destruction.
He disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that the fire was triggered by welding operations carried out within the company premises.
“The fire affected raw materials used for plastic production, parts of the building, production machines, finished plastic products and chemical drums stored in the premises,” he added.
“However, due to the swift response of firefighters, a significant portion of the property was saved. Thankfully, no casualty was recorded.”
Chiketa advised companies and artisans handling welding and other heat-related industrial activities to adhere strictly to safety precautions to prevent avoidable fire incidents.
He also commended officers and men of the fire service for their dedication and bravery during the operation.
According to the fire service spokesperson, firefighters eventually withdrew from the scene around 5:20am on Sunday after ensuring the fire had been completely extinguished.