By: Hafizur Rahman, Camp Correspondent
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – January 29, 2025 – A fire broke out in Camp 8W, Block E, Sub-Block A-56 at approximately 11:50 AM today. While the blaze has been successfully brought under control, one shelter was partially burned, leaving families in urgent need of assistance. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but local responders and community volunteers acted swiftly to contain the flames, preventing further destruction.
Residents Recall the Terrifying Moments
“We suddenly saw flames rising, and everyone started shouting for help. People rushed with water and sand to stop it from spreading. It was terrifying, but Alhamdulillah, we managed to control it before it got worse,” said Mohammed Ismail, a resident of the affected block.
Fatima Begum, a mother of three who lives nearby, emphasized the need for better fire prevention measures, stating, “Every time a fire happens, we lose our homes, our belongings, and our peace of mind. We need more awareness and support to prevent these incidents. If we had more fire safety training and proper equipment, we could protect our families better.”
Fire Risks in Overcrowded Camps
Fires are a recurring danger in the densely populated Rohingya refugee camps, where shelters made of bamboo and tarpaulin can ignite and spread flames rapidly. Over the years, several devastating fires have displaced thousands of refugees, making fire safety an urgent concern.
Humanitarian groups and camp authorities are urged to strengthen fire prevention efforts, including the distribution of fire safety equipment, training programs, and improved emergency response plans to safeguard vulnerable refugees.
