A sudden fire broke out in a Rohingya refugee camp in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar during the early hours of Thursday, 12 February, destroying multiple shelters and an NGO office. The blaze, which ignited around 3:00 a.m., consumed 25 settlements and a humanitarian facility in Camp 11, Balukhali.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick smoke rising from the camp as residents frantically attempted to contain the flames before the arrival of emergency services. Panic spread quickly among the camp’s population, with many fleeing their homes in the dead of night to seek safety.
Firefighting Efforts
Cox’s Bazar Fire Service responded promptly. According to Deputy Director Syed Md. Morshed Hossain, three units from Ukhiya were immediately dispatched to the scene. Additional support arrived from Cox’s Bazar and Ramu, bringing the total to six firefighting units. After nearly two hours of intense operations, the fire was fully brought under control.
“We received the alert around 3:00 a.m., and units from Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, and Ramu were mobilised swiftly. Thanks to their coordinated efforts, the fire was extinguished within two hours,” said Hossain.
Initial Assessment
Senior Station Officer Dolon Acharya reported that preliminary assessments indicated 25 shelters and one NGO office were completely destroyed. The fire is believed to have originated from an electrical short circuit, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Authorities have yet to determine the full extent of material losses or any potential injuries among camp residents.
| Location | Units Affected | Type of Structures | Estimated Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp 11, Balukhali | 25 | Residential shelters | Completely destroyed |
| Camp 11, Balukhali | 1 | NGO office | Completely destroyed |
Local officials emphasised the vulnerability of Rohingya camps, which are densely populated and have limited infrastructure, making them particularly susceptible to fires. Humanitarian agencies have already begun planning relief measures for the affected families, including temporary shelter, food, and medical assistance.
The incident marks another reminder of the precarious living conditions faced by refugees in Cox’s Bazar. Fire outbreaks in the camps, often caused by electrical faults or cooking accidents, continue to pose serious risks to life and property.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and have called for improved fire safety measures across all camps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.