The first claim, which occurred on the night of March 31, would be due to a cigarette megot thrown near a clandestine deposit. He caused damage estimated at 15 million FCFA. The second, more recent, took place in the morning of Thursday, May 8, destroying five businesses, several motorcycles and causing a power cut in a part of the city.
Each time, the police, the civil firefighters, the voluntary rescuers and the local authorities were mobilized to contain the flames and secure the area. “Two dangerous devastating fires linked to illegal trade and outdoor fuel. This smuggling activity is known to everyone in the city of Niakara, ”said Korotoumou Ouattara, amber saleswoman installed along the National A3.
His remarks are confirmed by a local security source. Although Niakaramandougou has three service stations today-against only one in 2002-more than a dozen smuggling fuel sale on the streets, with products stored in unsuitable containers, often exposed to the sun and close to dwellings.
-This form of trade, commonly known as “fuel sale on the ground”, had nevertheless experienced a clear decline after 2011. But its current resurgence raises lively concerns among residents and users of the National A3, who require firm prohibition measures.
They also require an operational capacity building of the emergency services, through increased support from the National Office for Civil Protection (ONPC), for better prevention and a faster response in the event of a claim.
In addition, an investigation was opened by the local police station in order to establish the precise causes of the May 8 fire, which occurred around 10am, and to locate responsibilities.
