Tanzania’s Mysterious Fires Ravage Bunazi B Village: Residents Plead for Government Intervention

By Adonis Byemelwa

Kagera: Residents of Bunazi B, a small village in the Kassambya ward of Missenyi District, Kagera Region, are pleading with the government to investigate the mysterious fires that have been erupting and burning down houses. Since June 14, 2024, five houses, including a girls' dormitory at Bunazi Secondary School, have been destroyed.

Speaking to journalists, residents expressed their concerns and desperation. John Gabriel, who lost his house and belongings worth over eight million shillings, said, "I don't know the cause of the fire that destroyed my house. I am now sleeping outside my neighbor's house, and I am asking the government to help me with humanitarian assistance and a place to stay."

Another victim, religious leader Catechist Adeltus Joseph, stated, "We don't know the cause of these fires; they erupt mysteriously during the day. We are asking the government to help us find a place to sleep and control the ongoing fires in our neighborhood."

Acting Kagera Regional Fire and Rescue Commander, Senior Superintendent George Mrutu, confirmed the fires and mentioned that a thorough investigation is underway due to the puzzling nature of the incidents. "We have left it to the villagers and the Missenyi District government to handle because the fires are not normal.

Mattresses and bedding burn completely, but the wooden bed frames remain untouched. The fire moves from one room to another, burning items but not the house itself. The community should come together to unravel this mystery," said Commander Mrutu.

Missed opportunity to meet residents on June 27, District Commissioner Colonel (Retired) Hamis Mayamba Maiga said they are awaiting the fire department's report to address the issue. Kassambya Councilor Yusuf Mzumbe added that they plan to collaborate with religious leaders to hold special prayers regarding the situation.

In October 2023, the President's Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) instructed Regional Commissioners, District Commissioners, and Municipal Directors across the country to assess and improve their readiness to handle fire disasters.

Former Deputy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi, representing the Minister of State for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mohamed Mchengerwa, emphasized this during a visit to inspect the Kariakoo business area in Dar es Salaam, which had experienced a significant fire on October 1, 2023.

Ndejembi urged leaders to work closely with the Water and Environment Authorities to take emergency measures in case of fire disasters. He also advised the Dar es Salaam region and district leadership to collaborate with the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (DAWASA) to prevent fire incidents.

He asked the affected businesspeople to be patient until the investigation committee released its report on the fire's cause. "Businesspeople, please be patient until the seven-day committee appointed by the Regional Commissioner releases its official report on the incident.

This would enable the responsive government of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to take appropriate action. The committee had four days left to complete its report," Ndejembi emphasized.

Ndejembi conveyed condolences from President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Minister Mchengerwa to those affected by the fire disaster, acknowledging the loss of property and business setbacks.

One of the key ways to combat fire disasters caused by electrical faults is to ensure electrical systems are installed by skilled professionals.

Regular inspections and maintenance of electrical systems are crucial, with worn-out wires replaced promptly. It is essential to report any unusual signs in electrical systems or appliances to a qualified electrician.

Many people are unaware that installing smoke detectors can prevent house fires. These devices should have an alarm system to alert occupants in case of smoke. Acting swiftly when a problem is detected is vital.

Fire extinguishers are essential in homes and should be placed in accessible areas such as corridors. Everyone in the household should be trained on how to use these devices. While they might not be effective against large fires, they can help manage a fire before it spreads.

Electrical outlets and switches are common sources of electrical fires. To avoid this, do not place electrical outlets under carpets or rugs, ensure appliances fit securely in sockets, avoid overloading sockets with multiple devices, regularly check the condition of outlets and switches, and do not leave switches and sockets on when not in use. Call a professional if you suspect any issues.

Avoid using open flames like candles and lanterns near flammable items such as carpets, rugs, plastic objects, newspapers, curtains, and walls. It is dangerous to sleep with a candle or lantern left burning. Be cautious with items storing flammable liquids like motorcycles, generators, and fuel containers; store them outside the house.

Whether using electric or charcoal irons, take precautions to prevent fires. Have a designated area for ironing, and always turn off the iron when finished. Irons should be stored in non-flammable containers away from flammable objects. Unplug irons when power outages occur, as they can cause fires when power is restored unexpectedly.

The unreliable electricity supply in Tanzania often leads to power cuts without prior warning. It is advisable to turn off all electrical appliances during outages and only turn them back on when power is stable. This helps prevent electrical faults and potential fires.

Cooking inside houses requires careful attention. Always have someone present while cooking, and never allow children to use electric or gas stoves or ovens. Avoid using charcoal stoves indoors and extinguish them immediately after use.

When designing houses, it is crucial to consider fire safety. Houses should not be built haphazardly. Architects and builders should incorporate escape routes and emergency exits into house plans. Emergency doors and windows should be non-metallic and easily accessible during emergencies.

Every house should have a fireproof safe for important documents and valuables like contracts, identification cards, education certificates, jewelry, and other valuable items. Emergency contact numbers, including fire services, police, nearby health centers, ambulance services, neighbors, and local leaders, should be easily visible and accessible to everyone, including visitors.

In Tanzania, the emergency contact number for fire services is 114, available on all mobile networks nationwide. When calling, clearly describe the emergency, the location, and how rescuers can reach the site. Quick and accurate reporting can make a significant difference in emergency response.

Every house is advised to have first aid kits and someone trained to use them. These kits should include items like cotton wool, bandages, plasters, small scissors, antiseptics, safety pins, painkillers, gloves, and other essential supplies.

It is a common habit among Tanzanians to prefer cheap, low-quality products, including electrical equipment. This can be dangerous. Fake electrical infrastructure, including wires and appliances like irons, refrigerators, and ovens, is a significant cause of electrical fires. It is essential to invest in high-quality, safe electrical products.

Using modern appliances requires understanding and following the manufacturer's instructions. When appliances break, they should be repaired by trusted and skilled technicians rather than attempting self-repair.

The Fire and Rescue Force often faces criticism for its perceived inefficiency and lack of public education on fire prevention. The Fire and Rescue Force must organize public training and awareness programs on fire safety and emergency response.

Avoid using a single electrical circuit to distribute power to multiple rooms. Do not install oversized Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) compared to the wire's capacity.

Use appropriate wire sizes and types for specific areas, ensure connections are secure, and avoid leaving gaps that could cause sparks. Each house should have an independent electrical system to prevent excessive usage that could lead to hazards.

Why do fire disasters continue to plague Tanzanians when the government has guidelines for disaster management, including fire incidents?

The National Disaster Management Guide of March 2003 outlines the responsibilities of various government agencies and stakeholders. Local leaders must be aware of their roles, and this guide should be available in their offices for reference and implementation.

In light of these incidents, the residents of Bunazi B, Kassambya, and Missenyi districts hope for a swift and thorough investigation to uncover the cause of these mysterious fires and for the government to provide much-needed assistance and preventive measures.