The two fire incidents in Dakar and Texaco Omnisport occurred on the night of Sunday, January 26, 2014.

The early hours of yesterday, January 27, 2014, could be described as ‘Ash Monday’ in some parts of Douala. Many have lost their homes and property as a result of two fire incidents that occurred in the economic capital on the night of Sunday, January 26 and Monday, January 27 morning, respectively.

Justina Njobo, a petty trader living at Texaco Omnisport, did not open her shop yesterday morning. Talking to Cameroon Tribune, she explained that the building where she is a tenant alongside other persons was razed by flames at 8:30 pm the night before. Hosting several tenants in five chalets, the fire was ignited from her neighbour’s room. Informed, the fire fighting unit of the National Petroleum Distribution Company (SCDP) situated nearby, immediately rushed to the scene to try to contain the flames.

Their efforts were complemented by the National Fire Fighting Brigade which saved the neighbouring houses. After being lodged by some benevolent persons for the night, the victims returned to the scene yesterday to clean up the debris. They were able to retrieve some partly burnt documents, FCFA 105, 000 and FCFA 35.000 in two different packs.

A one floor storey structure adjacent the destroyed building is now left with broken walls after the roof and household items were consumed by the ravaging flames.  It was reported that the occupants were absent at the time of the incident.

At Rond Point Dakar, a similar incident occurred as from 2:15 am on Monday. A house comprising six chalets and six rooms was reduced to ashes. Scraps of roofing sheets, wire, charcoal, electric cables... greet anyone who ventures through that road. Both structures were wooden.