KUAJOK – At least 14 shops were reduced to ashes in Kuajok town, the capital of South Sudan’s Warrap State, after a fire allegedly started by two teenagers spread rapidly through the market area.
According to Mayom Dot Malek, the Civil Defense Director for Warrap State, the incident which occurred on Monday, has devastated local traders who were already struggling to keep their businesses afloat.
“What happened is that the fire consumed 14 shops, and many valuable items such as sorghum and other possessions were lost. Counting of the damage is still ongoing,” Malek said.
He explained that the two teenagers had returned from the farm and noticed a foul smell inside their grass-thatched tukul (hut) located within the market. In an attempt to use an insecticide, they lit a fire, which quickly got out of control and spread to nearby shops, resulting in a massive blaze.
“The two teenagers have been detained and will face legal action for the losses incurred by the shop owners,” Malek added.
Fire outbreaks have become increasingly common in various parts of South Sudan, with experts attributing the incidents to a lack of firefighting equipment and trained personnel.
A similar case occurred last Thursday in Aroyo County of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, where a teenage boy allegedly set a neighbor’s house on fire.
Chief Inspector of Civil Defense in Aweil Center County, Mr. Duang Duang Ayii, told this publication in a phone interview that the suspect, identified as 16-year-old Kuek Korok Lual, was arrested following the incident.
“The boy allegedly set his neighbor’s house ablaze while she was away in the market. The fire destroyed household items, including utensils, two wheelbarrows, and sacks of sorghum and groundnuts,” Ayii said.
Civil Defense authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, especially during the dry season when fire incidents are more frequent. They also advised families not to leave minors unattended and to keep their surroundings clear of dry bushes to reduce the risk of fires.
