The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has confirmed that a fire broke out at one of its offices in Abuja on Saturday morning, but said no life was lost in the incident.
The fire occurred at the FIRS building located at No. 15 Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, and was reported to have started on the fourth floor of the facility.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Technical Assistant (Print Media) to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Sikiru Akinola, the agency said the situation was quickly brought under control due to the prompt response of security operatives and emergency services.
“The fire, which broke out on the fourth floor of the building, was promptly responded to by our security personnel on duty,” Akinola said.
He noted that the intervention of the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service and other emergency responders prevented the incident from spreading to other parts of the building.
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“With the swift support of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service and other emergency responders, the fire was successfully contained and prevented from spreading further,” he added.
Akinola confirmed that no casualties were recorded, stressing that all staff and occupants were safe. However, he disclosed that some offices on the affected floor were damaged.
“The Service can confirm that no lives were lost in the incident. However, a number of offices on the affected floor sustained damage,” he said.
He explained that the floor houses executive office suites of past Executive Chairmen of the Service, while the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated.
The FIRS spokesperson also said an investigation has begun to determine the cause of the fire, with early indications pointing to an electrical fault.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire has commenced, with preliminary assessments pointing to a possible electrical fault,” Akinola stated.
He added that the Service has initiated a review of its safety measures to forestall future occurrences.
“In the meantime, all internal safety protocols are being thoroughly reviewed and strengthened to mitigate against future occurrences,” he said.
The FIRS reassured the public that its operations would continue as efforts are made to repair the affected areas and further enhance safety across its offices.
