A massive fire ripped through a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, reducing hundreds of makeshift shelters to ashes. The blaze spread rapidly through the densely packed settlement, forcing families to flee with little more than the clothes they were wearing. Within minutes, entire rows of shelters were engulfed in flames.
Thousands Displaced in Minutes
According to humanitarian agencies and local authorities, thousands of Rohingya refugees were displaced by the fire. Many lost their homes, personal belongings, and essential documents. Children, elderly residents, and women were among the worst affected, as panic swept through the camp during the evacuation.
Highly Flammable Shelters Fueled the Fire
Most shelters in the Cox’s Bazar camps are made of bamboo, tarpaulin, and plastic sheets. These materials are extremely flammable and allow fire to spread at alarming speed. Narrow pathways and tightly packed housing made it difficult for residents to escape and for firefighters to control the blaze quickly.
Emergency Teams Rush to Contain the Damage
Fire service units, camp volunteers, and aid workers responded swiftly to the incident. Their efforts helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby sections of the camp. Temporary shelters, food aid, and medical assistance were arranged for those who lost their homes.
A Repeated Crisis in the World’s Largest Refugee Camp
Fires have become a recurring threat in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps over the years. Overcrowding, open cooking flames, faulty electrical connections, and lack of fire safety infrastructure continue to put lives at risk. Each incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of displaced communities.
Urgent Need for Fire Safety Measures
Experts and humanitarian groups have repeatedly stressed the need for stronger fire prevention systems in refugee camps. Firebreaks, safer cooking methods, early warning systems, and community fire safety training are critical to reducing future disasters and saving lives.
A Wake-Up Call the World Cannot Ignore
The Cox’s Bazar fire is a stark reminder that safety cannot be an afterthought, especially for vulnerable populations. Until long-term fire safety solutions are implemented, thousands of Rohingya refugees will continue to live under the constant threat of losing everything to flames.
-by Oustfire
