Yangon hit by at least 7 fires in one day

This fire in an industrial zone near Yangon’s Pann Hlaing Bridge was one of at least seven fires that afflicted the city on Feb. 23, 2018. Photo: Myanmar Fire Services Department
This fire in an industrial zone near Yangon’s Pann Hlaing Bridge was one of at least seven fires that afflicted the city on Feb. 23, 2018. Photo: Myanmar Fire Services Department

At least seven separate fires wrought destruction on Yangon on Friday, Feb. 23, according to the Myanmar Fire Services Department. The fires destroyed dozens of homes and other property and injured at least one person before they were put out.

The five fires were reported in North Dagon, Twantay, Mingaladon, Mayangon, Thingangyun, Sanchaung, and Shwepyithar townships.

The North Dagon fire started at around 6am. The Fire Services Department dispatched 31 fire engines, which extinguished the fire within a few minutes. However, the fire had already destroyed 35 wooden homes, leaving around 155 people homeless.

The owner of the home where the fire began was charged with negligence.

The Twantay fire, which started in a petroleum storage facility, also caused significant damage. One person was injured, and several vehicles were destroyed.

The other fires caused minimal damage before they were extinguished.

The Fire Services Department reported a total of 28 fires in January, including one in Hlaingthaya Township that killed one man, injured two women, and destroyed 80 homes, leaving 350 people homeless.

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