At approximately 12 PM today, a fire erupted in Camp-22, Block A4, originating from a gas cylinder. The swift response of residents, the blaze was brought under control and extinguished within minutes, preventing significant damage and injuries.
This incident highlights the ongoing fire risks within the Rohingya refugee camps. In recent months, several fires have caused substantial harm:
December 24, 2024: A massive fire in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar resulted in at least two fatalities and left over 4,000 individuals homeless.
January 7, 2024: A devastating blaze in Camp 5 of the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps rendered 3,500 children homeless and destroyed 20 learning facilities, affecting the education of 1,500 children.
These recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures within the camps. Authorities and humanitarian organizations are urged to implement comprehensive fire prevention strategies, conduct safety training, and improve infrastructure to mitigate future risks.
The community’s prompt action today in Camp-22 prevented a potential disaster, reflecting the resilience and solidarity among the residents. However, the frequency of such fires calls for immediate and sustained interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of all camp inhabitants.
