Massive Fire Destroys Over 80 Shops at Kano Timber Market

Kasuwar Yan Katako blaze ravages traders’ businesses as firefighters respond swiftly

A devastating fire gutted more than 80 shops at Kasuwar Yan Katako (Timber Market) in Rijiyar Lemo, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State early Wednesday morning, leaving traders counting losses.

The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident, stating that the emergency call was received at 4:28 a.m. from a local informant, Kabiru Nafi’u. Firefighters from Dawanau, Rijiyar Zaki, and Bompai stations were immediately deployed to tackle the blaze.

Scale of the Destruction

Upon arrival, crews found a timber market spanning approximately 500 by 500 feet fully engulfed in flames. The fire destroyed 30 permanent shops and 55 temporary stalls, according to a statement by the Fire Service’s Public Relations Officer, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi.

Three fire trucks—Com 23, Com 17, and Com 2—were mobilized to contain the inferno. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Parallel Fire Contained at Filling Station

On the same morning, the Fire Service also responded to a fire outbreak at Zamson Filling Station along Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Fagge LGA. A petrol tanker caught fire while offloading fuel, but prompt action by firefighters prevented a major disaster, with only slight damage reported on the tanker.

Safety Advisory

The Fire Service urged traders to check electrical installations before closing shops and reminded fuel station operators and tanker drivers to adhere strictly to safety regulations. Residents were encouraged to report fire incidents immediately to minimize property damage and prevent loss of life.