The Federal Fire Service has confirmed that the massive fire which gutted Singer Market in Kano State was caused by the explosion of a solar battery.

The Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Command of the Federal Fire Service, Al-Hassan Kantin, made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday.

“This incident in Singer market is quite unfortunate and disturbing. I sympathise with the victims on behalf of the Federal Fire Service. This incident is linked to an explosion of solar battery. The one that actually occurred two weeks ago was also linked to the same thing,” Kantin said.

He expressed concern over the growing reliance on solar systems across the country and stressed the need for greater safety awareness.

“What we should focus on now is this current trend of solar system because currently, the majority of the populace have resolved to the use of solar system,” he added.

Kantin emphasised that most fires are preventable with proper precautions and awareness.

The fire broke out on Saturday evening in the Gidan Glass section of the market and continued burning into Sunday morning.

Properties estimated at over N5 billion were destroyed in the inferno, while more than 1,000 businesses were affected.

Seven persons are still unaccounted for following the incident.

Market Chairman Junaid Zakari described the event as one of the darkest moments in the history of Singer Market.

“This is a disaster that will never be forgotten. Hundreds of families have been left without livelihoods,” he said.

Affected shop owners narrated their devastating losses.

Isa Abubakar disclosed that he lost goods valued at over N200 million.

Musa Ibrahim reported losses surpassing N340 million.

“The fire consumed everything we had. It is heartbreaking to see decades of hard work destroyed in hours,” Ibrahim said.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has appealed to the Federal Government to supply modern firefighting equipment, including aerial support, to help tackle such incidents more effectively.

President Bola Tinubu has directed that a thorough investigation be conducted into the recurring fire outbreaks at the market.