Multiple fires in Bunia raise resident concerns over inadequate firefighting resources

Residents of Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo are increasingly worried as at least four fires have erupted across the city in the last two weeks. The latest incident occurred in a residential home near a bar, with other fires reported in homes and a business close to the central market.

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The city does not have sufficient means to cope with this type of emergency.

Many residents attribute the fires to carelessness, such as improper cigarette disposal, faulty electrical wiring, or malfunctioning solar panels. They argue that the city, with a population exceeding one million, lacks adequate resources to combat such emergencies. Bunia reportedly has only one operational fire truck, and response times are often criticized as too long.

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The MONUSCO fire trucks have helped limit the extent of the damage.

Concerns are also high due to the density of gas stations, some located just hundreds of meters apart, increasing the risk of catastrophic fires. While MONUSCO vehicles have helped mitigate damage in recent interventions, the provincial director of civil protection urges vigilance. He advises households, businesses, and gas stations to equip themselves with fire extinguishers. Residents, however, are demanding that provincial authorities provide each commune with a fire truck and enhance the capabilities of emergency services to better protect lives and property.

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The provincial director of civil protection calls on the population to be vigilant.