Huge Fire Ravages Ngozi Central Market, Leaving One Dead and Hundreds of Traders Devastated

A devastating overnight fire tore through Ngozi central market in northern Burundi’s Butanyerera Province on Thursday night, killing one person and reducing an estimated 80% of the market to ashes, leaving hundreds of traders facing catastrophic losses.

The blaze broke out at around 10:00 p.m. near the market’s parking area before spreading rapidly toward the center of the commercial hub, according to witnesses.

“I arrived at the scene about 30 minutes after the fire started,” one Ngozi resident said. “The flames first appeared in one of the kiosks next to the parking lot before spreading to other kiosks.”

Authorities in Ngozi Commune said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. By Friday, they estimated that roughly 80% of the market had been destroyed.

Provincial authorities in Butanyerera confirmed that one trader died after reportedly suffering severe emotional distress following the disaster. In a message of condolence, Butanyerera Governor Victor Segasago said officials were aware that several victims had fallen into depression after witnessing the destruction of their businesses.

“We know that some people have been deeply affected psychologically, and one person lost their life as a result of this emotional distress,” Segasago said.

The governor described the fire as a major economic blow not only to Ngozi Commune and Butanyerera Province but also to the country as a whole.

“This market is located at the provincial headquarters. The revenues of the commune and the province come from the citizens of Butanyerera. Therefore, it is not only the commune or the province that has suffered this loss, but the entire country, through the taxes and duties that these traders paid,” he said.

By Friday, smoke was still rising from parts of the market as firefighters continued efforts to extinguish lingering hotspots.

Witnesses criticized what they described as an inadequate emergency response, saying that a single fire engine was unable to contain the flames.

“Emergency response capacity must be strengthened,” said trader Jean Bosco Ngendakumana, who lost his merchandise in the fire. “One fire truck was simply not enough. There should have been at least two or three, and they should always be fully supplied with water to deal with fires of this magnitude.”

Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye also expressed sympathy for the victims in a message posted on X.

“We are saddened by the fire that broke out at the Ngozi Central Market, where citizens who worked there saw their property consumed by the flames. We extend our sincere condolences to those affected and urge them not to lose hope,” the president wrote.

The latest fire marks the second major blaze to hit Ngozi Central Market after a similar incident in 2021.

The disaster comes only weeks after another major fire ravaged the Jabe timber market in Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic capital. It also follows a series of similar fires across the country in recent months, prompting civil society organizations to question the causes behind the growing number of recurring market fires.