Fire on Wednesday gutted makeshift commercial shops in the Oko Baba area of Ebute-Metta, Lagos State.

The Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, who confirmed the development, said water and chemical foam compound were deployed to put out the fire.

She stated that the fire spread rapidly due to the dryness of the combustible substances sweeping through Kano and Coates Streets, adding that there was no loss of life.

She said, “The year have started on a rather frenzy note of fire as the 19th emergency call was received in just five days into the new year today, Wednesday, 11am, at Kano Street, Oko Baba, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

“On arrival, the Sari Iganmu and Ilupeju Fire Stations of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service discovered that make-shift commercial shops of various sizes and patterns used in trading and stocking of woods are well alight on fire as the crews deployed copious water and chemical foam compound to douse the raging fire.

“Concerted efforts from emergency responders are on as we have called for back up as the shanties Saw Mill fire spread due to the dryness of the combustible substances involved over an expanse vast land sweeping through Kano and Coates Streets.

“The public should however be rest assured that the fire has been curtailed from spreading further and poses no threat to life and further damages.

“It is on record that no life or injury has been reported as the course of the fire would be unravel as soon firefighting is concluded.”