Six Homes Destroyed in Bandarban Blaze

A devastating early morning fire has reduced six dwelling houses and a restaurant to ashes in Bandarban, leaving several families homeless and causing extensive property damage. The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m. on Monday in Ujani Para, Ward No. 5, under the Bandarban পৌর এলাকা.

According to officials from the local Fire Service, four firefighting units were dispatched to the scene immediately after receiving reports of the blaze. Despite bringing the fire under control within an hour, the flames had already consumed six residential structures and a restaurant. The intensity of the fire also caused partial damage to the flooring of a neighbouring building.

Abdul Mannan Ansari, Assistant Director of Bandarban Fire Service, confirmed the incident and stated that while the immediate emergency response was swift, the exact cause of the fire and the total financial losses have yet to be determined. An investigation is currently under way to establish how the blaze began and to assess the full extent of the destruction.

Eyewitness Accounts

Local residents reported that the fire appeared to originate in the kitchen of the restaurant shortly before dawn. Within minutes, the flames spread rapidly to adjacent houses, many of which were constructed with bamboo fencing and other highly flammable materials. The closely packed nature of the dwellings further accelerated the spread of the fire, making containment challenging.

One resident described scenes of panic as families rushed to salvage belongings and evacuate elderly relatives and children. Fortunately, no casualties or serious injuries have been reported, though many families have lost all their possessions.

Emergency Response Overview

Administrative Support Promised

The Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Sadar Upazila, Marufa Khan Sultana Hiramoni, visited the affected area shortly after the fire was extinguished. She assured victims that immediate financial assistance would be provided to support emergency relief and initial recovery efforts.

Local authorities have indicated that further assessments will determine the scale of longer-term rehabilitation support. Temporary shelter arrangements are also expected to be organised for families who have been displaced.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns

While investigations continue, the incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of densely built residential zones, particularly where traditional construction materials are used. Fire safety experts note that early detection systems, safer kitchen practices, and improved building materials could significantly reduce the risk of such disasters.

The community now faces the difficult task of rebuilding, but swift action from emergency services and local administration has helped prevent what could have been an even more tragic outcome.