Fire ravages four shops at Kitwe’s Chisokone market, raising more concerns over safety measures

Four shops at Kitwe’s Chisokone Market were gutted by fire on Thursday, with the Fire Brigade struggling to extinguish the blaze.

The affected shops, located at Chipungo Shopping Centre, measured 6×30 metres each.

The fire, reportedly caused by an electrical fault, resulted in the destruction of assorted goods which value is yet to be determined. No casualties were recorded.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Kitwe City Council urged residents to alert the Fire Brigade promptly during such incidents to minimize losses.

“Kitwe City Council would like to urge the general public to get in touch with the fire brigade as soon as there is a fire to avoid loss of property,” the statement read.

The council has emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent further incidents of this nature at one of Kitwe’s largest markets.

Chisokone Market has recently experienced a series of fire outbreaks, leaving traders devastated as they lose merchandise worth thousands of Kwacha.

Two weeks ago, Zambia Monitor reported that a shop was gutted by fire, adding to the market’s history of incidents.

The most severe case occurred last year when the entire curio section, hosting over 20 traders, was razed as the flames swept through the area.

Traders have expressed growing concerns over the lack of adequate fire safety measures, urging authorities to take swift action to prevent further losses.

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