Federal Fire Service Rivers Command

Barka de sallah✨💫😊

PRESS RELEASE
15th May, 2026.

FEDERAL FIRE SERVICE, RIVERS STATE COMMAND RESPONDS TO FIRE OUTBREAK IN DIOBU, PORT HARCOURT

The Federal Fire Service, Rivers State Command, successfully responded to a fire outbreak involving lock-up shops at No. 23 Orjiegbu Street, Diobu, Mile 3, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in the early hours of Wednesday, 15th May 2026.

The distress call was received at about 0221hrs from Mr. Chinda through the control room, reporting the incident at the above location. Following the report, firefighting appliance FFS 197, driven by IF Mkpe with ASF II Kalio in charge of the crew, immediately turned out to the scene at about 0223hrs.

On arrival, the crew discovered that the fire had engulfed lock-up shops covering an estimated area of 50 by 50 square meters. The cause of the fire is suspected to be arson perpetrated by hoodlums.

The fire was successfully suppressed using one medium jet of water from appliance FFS 197, preventing further spread to nearby properties and saving lives and valuables worth millions of naira.

No casualty was recorded during the incident. An estimated property worth ₦10 million was saved, while losses were estimated at about ₦50 million. A total of 25 lives were also saved through the prompt intervention of the firefighters.

After thorough inspection confirmed that there was no further fire threat, the appliance and crew returned to the station at about 0520hrs.

The Federal Fire Service, Rivers State Command, reiterates the importance of vigilance and timely reporting of emergencies, while also urging members of the public to remain security conscious and report suspicious activities capable of causing fire outbreaks.

DSF Ifediora Chidinma
Public Relations Officer
Federal Fire Service, Rivers State Command

A community’s safety is only as strong as its leadership.

Yesterday, our team from the Federal Fire Service and the Rivers State Command responded to a fire call with the urgency it deserved.
But unknown to us, a section of the crowd at the scene had already planned to attack the firefighters and vandalize the fire truck.

It took one off-duty fire officer—acting on instinct and responsibility—to prevent chaos.
He informed the community chief and elders immediately, and their timely intervention stopped a situation that could have endangered lives and permanently damaged the community’s relationship with emergency responders.

Why this matters for community leaders

If a community becomes known for hostility toward firefighters:

Emergency response may be delayed or withdrawn entirely. No agency will deploy personnel into a violent zone.

Legally, the community becomes exposed. Attacks on responders trigger investigations, arrests, and potential sanctions.

Strategically, it weakens the community. When the next fire or emergency happens, response time could cost lives and property.

Leadership decides the outcome

Yesterday, the chief and elders acted decisively.
They restored order, cleared the road, and ensured firefighters could work safely.
That single decision protected both the responders and the community.

The message is simple:

Where leaders stand, the community follows.
Protect your firefighters, and they will protect your people.