The Enugu Timber Market located in Enugu South Local Government Area was gutted by fire Saturday evening destroying property worth several millions of naira.
The cause of the fire incident coming barely six months after similar inferno in the market, could not be ascertained by press time.
Saturday’s incident caused severe damage as several shops with timber, finished products like wooden doors and heavy duty machines were destroyed.
Some of the affected traders reported seeing thick smoke rising from the market as flames rapidly spread through the wooden structures, consuming a substantial quantity of timber and machines.
Firefighters from the Enugu State Fire Service responded promptly to distress call from the traders and residents as they raced to scene to battle the inferno.
An eyewitness said the firemen worked hard to put out the fire and to prevent the spread to other shops.
Despite their efforts, the intensity of the fire posed considerable challenges, leading to fears for the safety of individuals in the vicinity.
However, there has been no reported casualties but several traders have suffered significant financial losses due to the destruction of their goods.
Officials of the Enugu State Fire Service were still at the market by press time Saturday evening.
Ugochukwu Nwatu, the chairman of the Enugu Timber Association, stated that the cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained but confirmed that the inferno affected many shops belonging to the timber dealers.
recall that similar fire outbreak occurred in the timber market in June this year destroying no fewer than five shops.