Fire at Ukhia Rohingya camp, 1,200 shanties gutted

At least 1,200 houses were destroyed as a massive fire broke out at Shafiullah Kata Rohingya camp in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar.

However, no casualties have been reported so far.

The fire broke out at Shafiullah Kata Camp No. 17 around 5pm on Sunday, according to Armed Police Battalion (APBn). They have confirmed that 1,200 houses were initially burnt in the fire.

An official of Ukhia Fire Service Station said the fire is under control now. Several houses were burnt down. Initially, the fire was thought to have started from a gas cylinder, the official added.

Additional Superintendent of Police and deputy commander of APBn-8 Kamran Hossain said on information, they rushed to the spot. Besides, eight units of Fire Service joined with them and brought the fire under control.

“So far, 1,200 houses have been burnt, the number could rise further. The fire might have originated from the gas stove of B block resident Md Ali’s house.”

Ukhia Balukhali camp leader Sultan Ahmed said, “More than 1,000 houses had been burnt to ashes in the camp fire. As a result, residents of these houses have become destitute. They need emergency help.”

Earlier on January 2, a fire broke out at a Covid Hospital run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).