Barran Press
A devastating fire in a displacement camp in Marib, northeastern Yemen, has resulted in the tragic death of a 7-year-old girl and left her father and brother injured. The incident occurred in the Al-Jafina camp, south of Marib city, on December 25, 2024.
According to the Executive Unit for Camp Management, the fire consumed their shelter entirely, ignited by an electrical malfunction that caused a gas cylinder to explode. The young girl's body was charred beyond recognition, while her father and brother suffered minor burns.
Civil defense teams rushed to the scene, managing to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring shelters. Some of the affected individuals received medical assistance on-site.
2024 Fire Toll Rises
With this incident, the number of fires reported in Marib’s displacement camps this year has surged to 208, resulting in four fatalities and injuries to 40 others, predominantly among women, children, and the elderly, according to unit statistics.
So far in 2024, these fires have destroyed the homes of 156 displaced families and affected 51 families of African refugees. The damage included 464 net shelters, 671 tents, and 13 caravans and houses.
Five-Year Overview
Over the past five years, Marib’s displacement camps have experienced 709 fire incidents, leading to numerous civilian casualties, mostly among women and children. The statistics reveal substantial losses in housing and personal property for displaced families.
Here’s a breakdown of fire incidents from 2020 to 2023:
Causes of Fires
The 2024 report notes that 57 fires were caused by unsafe electrical connections, 95 by using tents as kitchens, and 53 due to flames spreading to tents. Additionally, two incidents were linked to gas cylinder explosions, echoing the tragic incident that claimed the young girl's life.
Recommendations and Support Needed
To mitigate future fires, the unit has urged humanitarian partners to implement fire safety awareness programs and replace temporary shelters with more durable options. They also recommend ensuring safe electrical connections and activating emergency contact numbers.
In their statement, the Executive Unit reiterated the call for urgent support from relevant authorities and humanitarian organizations to provide immediate shelter, food assistance, and health and psychological care for affected families.