Property worth millions of shillings has been destroyed following two separate fire incidents reported on Wednesday night in Nairobi and Kiambu, raising fresh concerns over safety and emergency preparedness.
In Kiambu County, a major fire broke out at a petrol station in the Fourways area along Kiambu Road at around 10:15pm, causing panic among motorists and nearby businesses. The blaze spread rapidly, engulfing parts of the station and adjacent structures.
Eyewitnesses suggested the fire may have started during the offloading of fuel from a tanker, although authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi ordered an immediate response, dispatching county emergency teams to the scene. At least three fire engines were deployed, with firefighters working through the night to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading further.
The fire caused extensive damage, with several vehicles parked near the petrol station reduced to shells. Reports indicate that at least five cars were completely burnt during the incident. A nearby Pizza Inn outlet was also destroyed, highlighting the scale of the destruction.
Authorities temporarily advised motorists to avoid the affected section of Kiambu Road to allow emergency responders to access the scene and manage the situation without obstruction.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, a separate fire incident was reported at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, where staff residential houses were affected. The blaze displaced approximately 20 families, though prison authorities confirmed that all inmates were safe and unharmed.
Emergency teams responded to the incident as investigations into the cause and extent of damage got underway.
The twin incidents come barely a month after another fire outbreak in Ruiru, Biashara Ward, where property of unknown value was destroyed. That incident, which occurred in February, was reportedly preceded by an explosion believed to have been caused by a gas leak.
The latest fires have once again brought into focus the need for stricter safety measures, particularly in high-risk areas such as fuel stations and residential facilities.
Authorities are expected to carry out thorough investigations to establish the causes of both incidents and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Residents and business owners have also been urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines as emergency services continue to respond to such incidents across the region.
