Fire Destroys Nine Business Stalls in Kigoma Market After Unattended Cooking
Kigoma, 24 May 2026
A devastating fire in Kigoma’s Kibirizi market destroyed nine business stalls on 23 May 2026, caused by a food vendor who left beans cooking unattended on a charcoal stove. Regional Commissioner Simon Sirro has ordered a thorough investigation and legal action against those responsible for negligence. One person was injured during rescue efforts and hospitalised. The incident highlights critical fire safety gaps in Tanzania’s markets, with firefighters struggling due to water shortages. Affected traders are seeking government loans to rebuild their businesses.
Swift Response Prevents Greater Catastrophe
The fire broke out in the early hours of 23 May 2026 at the Kibirizi market near the small port in Kigoma Ujiji Municipality [1][3][4]. Acting Regional Fire and Rescue Commander Michael Maganga confirmed that preliminary investigations revealed the blaze originated from a food vendor’s stall where beans were left cooking on a charcoal stove whilst the vendor went home [1][3]. Firefighters arrived at the scene and successfully contained the flames before they could spread to other business stalls selling clothing and operating restaurants [3]. Despite the swift response, nine business stalls were completely destroyed, along with various goods and merchandise belonging to small-scale entrepreneurs [1][4][5].
Regional Leadership Takes Action
Kigoma Regional Commissioner Ambassador Simon Sirro visited the affected area and spoke directly with the impacted traders following the incident [1]. Sirro has ordered immediate thorough investigations to determine responsibility and ensure appropriate legal action is taken against anyone found negligent in connection with the fire [1][3]. The Regional Commissioner also instructed affected businesses to continue their operations whilst awaiting the completion of the new Kibirizi market, where they will eventually relocate [1]. Additionally, Sirro announced that regional leadership will meet with financial institutions to explore ways of providing affordable loans to help the affected traders restart their business activities [3].
Human Cost and Infrastructure Challenges
During the rescue and firefighting operations, one person was injured after falling and fainting whilst witnessing their clothing shop being consumed by flames [4]. The injured individual was rushed to Kigoma Maweni Regional Referral Hospital for medical treatment [4]. The incident has exposed significant infrastructure challenges facing Tanzania’s emergency services, with firefighters struggling to control the blaze effectively due to water shortages [6]. Local witnesses described the difficulties faced by the fire brigade, noting that water supplies kept running out during the firefighting efforts, highlighting broader systemic issues with emergency response capabilities in the region [6].
Community Resilience and Recovery Efforts
Affected traders who spoke with local media have appealed to the government for loan assistance to help them recover from their losses and return to daily business activities [1]. The destroyed stalls housed various enterprises, including clothing shops and restaurants that served the local community [3][4]. Regional Commissioner Sirro has called upon citizens to continue cooperating in protecting business areas from individuals with malicious intent [1]. The incident underscores the vulnerability of small-scale entrepreneurs operating in temporary market structures and the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in densely populated commercial areas [GPT]. Assessment of the total damage caused by the fire continues as the community works together to support those who lost their livelihoods in the blaze [4].