Wajale(Mogadishu24)-Massive fire has on Saturday night broke out at the largest clothes market in Wajale district of Somaliland, causing destructions and loss of properties worth millions.
The fire began in the early hours of the night and continued for more than five hours, destroying major business centers and shops, although there are no reported casualties. The cause of the fire remains unclear.
Local residents and business people have expressed deep concern over the devastating incident and the extensive damages.“The huge fire has started at around 9 PM and continued for hours, destroying the shops and properties. The fire started in a kiosk within the market and spread across,” said Khadar Abdi Muhumed, a businessman.
He also highlighted the challenges faced in extinguishing the fire as the firefighting equipment and vehicles came all the way from Gebiley and Hargeisa.
“We did not have access to any fire extinguishers for the first few hours until the fire and emergency response team arrived from Hargeisa and Gebiley. The lack of fire extinguishers in the town has given room for the fire to spread as residents struggled to manage it,” he added.
Frequent night-time fires have become an increasing issue in markets situated in Somali-dominant areas, with the causes behind these fires remain unknown. Within this year, Jigjiga's Taiwan Market, Fadhi-same electronic industry in Bossaso, Dervish market in Beledweyne and residential areas, have been burnt to ashes due to devastating night-time fires.