by Hafizur Rahman. Photo credit- Mohammed Salim Khan
Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Cox’s Bazar | December 26, 2025
Two separate fire incidents broke out in different parts of the Kutupalong Rohingya refugee camp on the night of December 25 and early morning of December 26, destroying shelters and damaging a health facility, leaving several families displaced and disrupting essential services.
The first fire started around 10:10 pm on December 25 in Camp 2E, Block B. Residents said the flames spread quickly through densely packed shelters made of bamboo and tarpaulin, forcing families to flee with whatever belongings they could carry.
A resident who attempted to put out the fire said smoke and flames filled the area within minutes, making it impossible to save the shelters. Community members immediately rushed to help, forming lines with buckets of water, sand, and soil to stop the fire from spreading further.
Local youth, community volunteers, and SMS teams worked together for hours until the fire was finally brought under control. Residents said people from nearby blocks also joined the effort without hesitation, determined to protect remaining shelters.
Several hours later, another fire broke out in Camp 4, Block D2, in the early morning of December 26. The blaze hit the OBAT Health Post, a facility that provides basic treatment, first aid, and emergency care for camp residents.
The fire damaged parts of the health post and destroyed medical supplies, raising concerns about access to healthcare for nearby families. A mother standing near the burnt structure said the facility was where families usually brought sick children at night and expressed fear about what would happen now that it is damaged.
Once again, local youth, SMS teams, and nearby residents responded quickly and managed to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding shelters. Despite their efforts, several shelters were burned, leaving families without homes.
Residents said the incidents highlight the constant risk of fire in the overcrowded camps, where shelters are built from highly flammable materials and even a small spark can cause large scale damage within minutes.
Community members urged greater awareness and preparedness, saying fire prevention and rapid response are critical to protecting lives and homes in the camps, especially during the night when families are most vulnerable.
