HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia — A woman, her sister and three young girls were killed early Monday when a fire ripped through their corrugated-iron home in Hargeisa’s 26 June district, authorities said.
The blaze, which broke out in neighborhood 150 before dawn on Jan. 5, quickly engulfed the modest structure and nearby tin-walled huts packed closely together, leaving the family little chance to escape, according to the Hargeisa Fire Department. Fire officials said the children who died were girls ages 12, 7 and 5.
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Emergency crews battled the flames as neighbors tried to douse the fire with water and sand, but the layout of the settlement — narrow lanes and homes built wall-to-wall — fueled the spread. Images and accounts from the scene described a cluster of charred frames and possessions melted in place.
- Victims: Two adult sisters and three girls, ages 12, 7 and 5
- Location: 26 June district, neighborhood 150, Hargeisa
- Housing: Corrugated-iron home among similar structures
- Status: Cause under investigation by the North Western State of Somalia Police Criminal Investigation Department
- Government response: $40,000 in emergency assistance announced
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the North Western State of Somalia Police Criminal Investigation Department. Authorities have not released preliminary findings, but said investigators are examining how the blaze started and whether electrical faults or other hazards played a role.
The city’s fire chief warned that fires tied to faulty wiring, overloading and unsafe household conditions have been rising in Hargeisa’s dense neighborhoods, urging residents to check connections, keep flammables away from open flames and ensure safe supervision of children.
“We are seeing an increase in fires caused by electrical problems and unsafe environments, especially where children are present,” the fire chief said, calling for greater public awareness and preventive measures.
Government officials said $40,000 in emergency assistance has been transferred to support the affected family. Authorities expressed condolences and offered prayers for the victims, asking God to grant patience and strength to relatives and the community.
Deadly residential fires are not uncommon in Hargeisa, where many families live in informal or semi-permanent housing with limited access to fire breaks, proper wiring and firefighting equipment. Last year, several children were killed in another blaze in the city after their father, amid a family dispute, set fire to the house where they were staying.
Safety advocates say the combination of improvised electricity, the use of charcoal and gas for cooking, and flammable building materials magnifies the risk. Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to:
- Avoid overloading outlets and replace frayed or improvised wiring
- Keep cooking areas clear of children and combustibles
- Store fuels and solvents away from living spaces
- Install basic smoke alarms where possible and plan escape routes
Monday’s fire adds to a growing list of tragedies that have underscored the city’s vulnerability to fast-moving blazes. Officials said more outreach and inspections are planned as part of a push to reduce preventable fires, particularly in high-density districts like 26 June.
Funeral arrangements for the victims were not immediately announced.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
