A major fire erupted at Hagadera market in Fafi sub-county, Garissa County, causing panic and significant losses to traders in the bustling commercial hub. The incident, reported on Saturday afternoon, has drawn the attention of emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross and local fire marshals.
The Kenya Red Cross, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed the incident and assured the public of ongoing efforts to control the situation. “No injuries have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire remains unknown,” the humanitarian agency stated.
A Race Against Time
The fire, whose flames could be seen from a distance, rapidly spread through the market, fueled by the close proximity of stalls and flammable materials such as textiles, plastics, and wooden structures. Traders and bystanders scrambled to salvage goods as thick plumes of smoke engulfed the area.
Efforts to extinguish the fire have been challenging due to the market’s congested layout and limited accessibility for fire engines. Witnesses reported hearing loud cracks as makeshift stalls and goods went up in flames.
“We have lost everything. My entire stock of clothes is gone,” lamented Ahmed Abdi, a trader who has been operating at the market for over a decade. “We are pleading for help to rebuild our businesses.”
Emergency Response
Fire marshals from Garissa County, supported by volunteers and local residents, have been working tirelessly to contain the inferno. The Kenya Red Cross team is also providing assistance, including first aid and psychosocial support to affected individuals.
“The fire response team is working under difficult circumstances, but their coordination has been commendable,” noted a local administrator.
The market serves as a critical economic lifeline for residents of Hagadera, including many from the nearby refugee camp, which is part of the expansive Dadaab complex. The market is a hub for trade in foodstuffs, clothing, household items, and other essentials, and the fire’s impact is expected to ripple through the local economy.
Investigations Begin
As firefighters continue their battle to extinguish the flames, attention has turned to the possible cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest it may have started in one of the stalls, but officials are yet to determine the exact source. Electrical faults, cooking accidents, and mishandling of flammable substances are among the common culprits in similar incidents.
“An investigation will be launched immediately to establish the cause of the fire,” said a police official at the scene.
A Call for Assistance
Local leaders and humanitarian agencies have called for swift intervention to assist those affected by the disaster. Donations of food, clothing, and shelter materials are being organized to help traders and their families.
“We urge the government to declare this a disaster and allocate funds to support recovery efforts,” said Fafi Member of Parliament, Salah Yakub.
The fire at Hagadera market is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by informal traders and the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness measures. Local authorities have pledged to review market safety standards to prevent future occurrences.
Past Incidents
This is not the first time a fire has ravaged markets in Garissa County. Similar incidents have been reported in Dadaab and Garissa town, highlighting the urgent need for better fire safety infrastructure and awareness campaigns.
Moving Forward
As the affected traders come to terms with their losses, there is hope that the community will rally together to rebuild Hagadera market. “We have faced hardships before and come out stronger,” said Abdi. “We will do so again.”
With investigations underway and relief efforts in motion, Hagadera market may yet rise from the ashes, fortified by the resilience of its people.
