Fire destroys at least 450 houses in Cox's Bazar Rohingya camp

At least 450 residential houses and other structures were destroyed in a fire that broke out at a Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, early this morning (20 January).

The fire started at around 3am at Shafiullah Kata Camp No 16 in Palongkhali union of Ukhiya upazila. Besides homes, several learning centres, mosques and moktabs were also damaged.

According to the Ukhiya Fire Service and Civil Defence, eight fire service units worked for nearly three hours to bring the blaze under control. The fire was fully extinguished at around 5:45am, said Station Officer Dollar Tripura.

No deaths were reported, and there was no immediate information about any injuries.

Local sources and the fire service said the fire originated from a learning centre in Block D-4 of Camp No 16 and spread rapidly to nearby houses and sheds. As the fire broke out suddenly at night, panic spread among camp residents, with hundreds fleeing in search of safety.

Dollar Tripura said fire service personnel responded immediately after receiving the report and managed to contain the fire through sustained efforts.

He added that while extensive damage was reported, information about casualties was not immediately available, and assessments of losses were ongoing.

Many of those affected by the fire have taken shelter in nearby learning centres, mosques and moktabs, having lost their belongings. Camp authorities said initial assistance, including the distribution of dry food, has begun.

Earlier incidents of fire were reported in other Rohingya camps in December, including damage to a hospital at Camp No 4 on 26 December and the burning of more than 10 houses at the Kutupalong registered camp on 25 December.