Cox’s Bazar, Jan 20 (V7N) — A massive fire has destroyed more than 450 houses at a Rohingya camp in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar, leaving around 3,000 refugees homeless. The blaze also damaged 10 learning centers, two mosques, and one madrasa.

The fire broke out at Shafiullah Kata Camp No. 16 in Palangkhali Union at around 3:00 am on Monday (January 19).

According to local sources, the fire is believed to have originated from a stove in the kitchen of a house in D-Block. The flames spread rapidly due to the highly congested settlement, where shelters are primarily made of bamboo and tarpaulin. The camp houses nearly 34,000 Rohingyas, making firefighting operations particularly challenging.

Although several people sustained minor injuries while fleeing the fire, no fatalities were reported.

Dollar Tripura, Station Officer of Ukhia Fire Service and Civil Defense, said that two fire service units initially rushed to the scene after receiving the alert. Later, a total of eight units worked for nearly three hours before bringing the fire under control at around 5:50 am.

Authorities said an assessment of damages is underway, while humanitarian agencies are preparing emergency assistance for the affected families.

This is the latest in a series of fires in Rohingya camps, raising renewed concerns over fire safety, overcrowding, and living conditions in the refugee settlements.

END/SMA/AJ