BY TAC
Traders in Kumba are still to come to terms as to what caused a fire out break at the popular Dubai Centre in Kumba, Chief town of Meme Division, South West Region of Cameroon.
The devastating fire outbreak ravaged part of a place popularly known as Dubai Centre, situated directly opposite the Kumba main market, in Kumba I municipality, in the early hours of Wednesday, April 2, 2025, leaving behind a scene of destruction and despair. Described as ‘Black Wednesday’, the fire ravaged many stalls and warehouses, resulting in material damage estimated at billions of FCFA.
The later intervention of elements of the Army Rescue Unit in Kumba at the scene is said to have helped contain the fire, though not without huge damages. Nonetheless, they did all to minimise the damages that could have been far worse. The firefighting brigade struggled on the scene and had to make numerous trips with a single fire truck to replenish its water supply, while shop owners and surrounding neighbours joined in extinguishing the flames .
Though the exact cause of the inferno is yet to be established, some sources suggest that the fire was caused by a short circuit in one of the market stalls. However, other sources indicate that the flames may have originated from a neighbouring house before extending to the shops. Authorities are working diligently to determine the accurate cause of the fire, which has left many businesses in ruins.
No human life was lost but the victims are grappling with the significant material losses incurred. Several local businesses, including a cooking gas distribution shop and large mattress warehouses, were consumed by the flames, reducing them to ashes.
The Senior Divisional Officer for Meme Division, Chamberlin Ntou’ou Ndong, alongside the Divisional Officer for Kumba I, Ali Anogu, and the Lord Mayor for Kumba I Council, Barrister Prince Eseme Moses Esembe, all ran to the fire scene to see first hand the effects of the flames and to ensure security of property and persons The Senior Divisional Officer while talking to the Press announced that he will create a mixed commission of inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and to carry out an inventory of the property lost by the victims and send the report to the Minister of Territorial Administration who is incharge of civil protection to come to the assistance of the traders.
One of the traders who repairs and supplies phones disclosed that while the population was struggling to assist them to quench the fire, thieves invaded the area and stole phones and that he is perplexed as to what to tell clients who brought their phones for repairs since all the phones have been consumed by the fire and stolen