The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has salvaged 101 shops while 70 others were severely damaged in a fire outbreak involving 171 lock-up shops at Alade Market, Market Street, Somolu, Lagos on Tuesday.

The Ag. Head of the Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen about the occurrence, explaining that the agency received a distress call at 0055hrs from Alade Market, Market Street, Shomolu, Lagos, about burning shops.

Mrs. Adeseye recalled that Ilupeju and Bolade Fire Stations were swiftly alerted to visit the location and firemen doused the raging fire.

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According to her, on arrival at the scene, it was discovered that the average land area of 1,944 square metres, accommodating 171 shops of varying sizes, already had 70 of the shops engulfed by fire.

“The affected shops, which had various items including food, gas cylinders and other perishable goods were severely damaged by the inferno, she stated.

She noted that the actual cause of the incident is still being investigated while suspecting that the spread of the fire was aided by available gas cylinders in one of the gas shops.

Adeseye acknowledged the complementary efforts of the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Authority and the Nigerian Police Force in putting out the fire at about 0531hrs.