A horrific fire at a Rohingya camp at midnight

In the early hours of Thursday, 12 February, a sudden fire broke out at a Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, causing significant destruction. The blaze reportedly consumed 25 residential shelters and one NGO office, raising concerns over the safety and welfare of the camp’s residents.

The incident occurred at Camp 11, located in Balukhali, Ukhiya. According to Syed Md. Morshed Hossain, Deputy Director of the Cox’s Bazar Fire Service Station, the first reports of the fire reached authorities around 3:00 a.m. Promptly, three fire units were dispatched from Ukhiya to tackle the inferno. In addition, three more units from Cox’s Bazar and Ramu joined the effort. Altogether, six units worked tirelessly and managed to bring the fire under control within approximately two hours.

Senior Station Officer Dolon Acharya of the Cox’s Bazar Fire Service informed the media that preliminary assessments suggest the fire destroyed 25 shelters and one NGO office. Investigators believe the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, though the exact cause remains unconfirmed. The total extent of damage and losses is yet to be fully assessed.

Authorities have emphasised the need for vigilance regarding electrical installations within the densely populated camp areas, where the risk of fire can escalate rapidly. Local aid organisations are reportedly coordinating relief efforts to provide temporary shelters and assistance to affected families.

Preliminary Impact of the Fire at Camp 11

No casualties have been reported so far, though authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. This incident highlights the vulnerability of densely populated refugee camps to fire hazards and the urgent need for preventive safety measures.