A devastating fire outbreak yesterday left a trail of material destruction in the Sisia neighbourhood of Bamenda III Subdivision.
The incident, which was first reported by vigilant locals at 6am, quickly garnered the attention of authorities and residents alike.
Senior Warrant Officer Taku Paul, Chief of Centre for the Army Rescue Unit in Bamenda, recounted the intensity of the blaze, stating, “We received a distress call at 6 am, alerting us to a fire outbreak at Sisia. The flames were so fierce that they were visible from our barracks at Mulang, kilometers away.”
The fire’s origin was traced back to a fuel store within the Sisia neighbourhood, quickly spreading to engulf nearby properties.
Despite the alarming situation, the prompt and united efforts of neighbours and firefighters helped contain the inferno to prevent further devastation.
Mukum Thomas, a resident deeply impacted by the incident, was devastated as he explained to reporters his predicament.
“I commend my neighbours for their unwavering support during the rescue operation. Their swift response undoubtedly saved lives and property.”
In their valiant efforts to combat the blaze, firefighters employed various techniques, including the strategic use of sand.
They also emphasized the inherent dangers of storing flammable materials within residential areas, citing the potential risks to human lives and property.
The incident comes barely two weeks after Bamenda witnessed its worst fire outbreak in decades.
The fire consumed over 300 shops at the Bamenda Main Market on February 22, leaving dozens of traders in shock.
Fire outbreaks have become a recurrent issue in Cameroonian cities, with many of them usually attributed to poor town electricity connection and town planning.
