A devastating fire swept through a house in Pangani Street, Kati Ward, Arusha City, on Friday night, October 31, 2026, destroying 10 rooms and burning all property inside them. The incident occurred in the well-known Crystal Street area of Bondeni. Residents are counting their losses after the overnight blaze. The house had more than 14 rooms, with 10 completely destroyed.
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by a faulty gas cylinder used for cooking in one of the rooms. Acting Arusha Regional Fire and Rescue Force Commander Osward Mwenjejele said they received a report about the fire at 8:04 pm but found it had already spread extensively upon arrival. Firefighters managed to prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby multi-storey building housing over 20 families and business premises.
The firefighters faced challenges accessing the building due to a blocked route fitted with steps, preventing fire engines from reaching the scene directly. They had to stretch water hoses for about 100 meters through a river area to reach the burning section. Two fire engines were deployed during the operation. Mwenjejele urged residents using gas at home to observe safety precautions, including supervising cooking and using certified cylinders and equipment.
Mwenjejele warned that using small, substandard cylinders and poor-quality connections between cylinders and stoves could increase the risk of gas leaks, fires, and explosions. He stressed the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to prevent such incidents. CCM Kati Ward Chairman Kirenga Swai described the incident as a major disaster for the affected residents and urged the public to observe safety precautions when using gas.
Kirenga Swai said local government leaders would revisit the scene and work with stakeholders to explore ways of supporting the victims. He emphasized the importance of adhering to approved building layouts and ensuring adequate access routes for fire engines and rescue services. The incident has left residents, including Ms. Christina Mmasi, who lost Sh500,000 and all her belongings, in a difficult situation.
Ms. Mmasi reported that she had left her home around 3 pm to attend to her business and received a call from neighbors and the landlord informing her of the fire. Despite the extensive damage and losses, no injuries or deaths were reported, a development that residents and local leaders described as something to be thankful for. Some neighbors attempted to extinguish the flames using water, but their efforts failed.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with Mwenjejele stating that preliminary findings pointed to the possibility of gas cylinders being involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety precautions when using gas and ensuring that buildings have adequate access routes for emergency services. Residents are still reeling from the effects of the fire, which has left them with significant losses.
Key points
- The fire destroyed 10 rooms in a house in Arusha City's Pangani Street, Kati Ward, on October 31, 2026.
- Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by a faulty gas cylinder used for cooking.
- No injuries or deaths were reported despite the extensive damage and losses.
