The Optimal Filling Station located on Aule Road in Akure caught fire on Monday.

The fire, which destroyed the administrative block of the gas station and dispensing pumps, was put out by the fire service.

The Federal Fire Service’s spokesman Ayodele Ajulo, attributed the fire to heat in the underground tank.

Mr Ajulo advised filling stations to be careful while offloading fuel from tankers into underground tanks, especially during extreme heat.

“We always tell people to be extremely cautious during this period. The hot weather makes it easy for fire to erupt from anything inflammable,” he stated.

“It is important for people, especially filling station operators, to take all necessary precautions and also have enough fire extinguishers around in case of any emergency.”

He commended residents for cooperating with firefighters in putting out the fire.