The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Gombe Operations Office, has confirmed its response to a fire outbreak that razed parts of the Timber Market in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State.
The agency disclosed the development in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday.
According to NEMA, the incident occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, at about 8:00 p.m.
Preliminary findings indicated that the fire was triggered by an electrical spark. Although no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded, the inferno destroyed goods and properties estimated to be worth millions of naira.
NEMA noted that the exact number of traders affected by the incident is yet to be determined, as a comprehensive damage and needs assessment is still ongoing.
The agency stated that it coordinated emergency response efforts in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service, the Gombe State Fire Service, and the Gombe State University Fire Unit.
The prompt and joint intervention of these agencies, it said, helped to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjoining areas of the market.
Other stakeholders were also present at the scene to support response and security operations, included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Nigerian Army, NEMA Grassroots Emergency Volunteers (GEVs), as well as members of the media.
NEMA commended the inter-agency cooperation during the operation, which it said was effective and critical to minimizing losses.
The agency further advised traders and members of the public to strictly adhere to fire safety measures, especially with respect to electrical installations, in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
NEMA assured that further updates would be provided as assessment of the incident continues.
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