Camp Correspondent
Cox’s Bazar, December 1, 2024 – A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night in Camp-7, B Block of the Rohingya refugee settlement, destroying two shelters, an office, and damaging two shops. The incident has left the affected community grappling with the loss of essential resources.
The fire reportedly started around 11:30 p.m. in the BRAC Skill Development Center, a vocational training hub for Rohingya youth and women. Witnesses believe the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, which quickly spread due to the highly flammable materials used in the shelters—tarpaulins and bamboo—and the narrow spacing in the camp.
Rohingya community members and Site Management Support (SMS) volunteers worked tirelessly to contain the blaze before the fire service arrived, preventing the flames from spreading further. No injuries were reported, but the property damage is substantial.
The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of the camp’s infrastructure, especially during winter. As temperatures drop, residents often rely on fires to stay warm, increasing the risk of accidents.
“Fire is both a blessing and a hazard in our lives,” one community elder said. “We must handle it responsibly, especially in crowded areas like ours, where a small spark can lead to devastating consequences.”
Community leaders are now urging authorities and aid organizations to provide immediate assistance to the affected families and strengthen fire safety measures in the camps. Residents are calling for safer storage of gas cylinders and fireproofing of shelters to prevent such incidents in the future.
