By Makur Adut

Some traders counted losses on Christmas eve as fire burnt down three shops in Rumbek town, destroying property worth 2.3million SSP.

Lakes State Police Spokesman, Major Elijah Mabor Makuac said they received a report about a fire outbreak at 10am, which had started from one of the shops belonging to a trader called Amir Jidu, who operates from Rumbek town main market.

According to the police spokesman, the fire started when the owner of the shop was away, and spread faster before unsuspecting businesspersons could come to the rescue. The fire caused an extensive damage to the shops as the police were called late, dragging their efforts to coordinate with the fire brigade, Makuac said.

“We called them, and together with our forces, we worked together until we quelled the fire. We also got reinforcement from UNMISS,” he said.

“Some three shops situated in a row burnt to ashes. One of the shops operates a computer training center. All the closer ones have burned to ashes. Nothing has been rescued from them, except the last shop, where we managed to save a few items. The variety of food items and other essential items were recovered, but the rest totally damaged. Even the roofing and the walls have been cracked and it can collapse at any time,” Makuac added, stating that his unit had detained two people to assist in investigations.

The detained individuals were tenants in the shops that were destroyed, and will help the officers in finding out what could have led to the outbreak of the fire.

“It could have been caused by some other things. Maybe a lose wire, or a faulty connection. They will just help us in finding out and possibly getting leads,” he said

“You know, the fire started earlier yet the information reached us very late. And when we intervened, it had already covered a large area and therefore was difficult to contain. But thank God that our fire fighters managed to contain this fire not to escalate to the other shops nearby. Otherwise, it would have become a disaster.”

“I am appealing with all of you that whenever there is such kind of incidences happening near you, please call for help. Call for assistance early from the relevant authorities, be it the police or your area commissioner, so that you are assisted.”