Fire Incident in Camp 16: Humanitarian Impact, Infrastructure Damage, and Emergency Response Assessment

Introduction

In the early hours of 20^th January 2026, a major fire incident occurred in Camp 16, Shofiullah Kattah, affecting Blocks D2, D3, and D4. The fire broke out at approximately 3:00 AM and was brought under control by 5:25 AM through coordinated efforts by community members, camp authorities, and emergency responders, according to few Camp 16 residents. The source of the fire remains unknown, and a formal investigation is currently underway to determine its cause and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Swift Response and Prevention of Loss of Life

Despite the magnitude of the incident, no fatalities were reported. Five individuals sustained minor injuries, while no major injuries or missing persons were recorded, according to the assessment of camp management. The absence of loss of life can be largely attributed to the rapid response of camp residents and the effectiveness of informal early warning mechanisms. Community members acted immediately to alert neighbors, assist vulnerable individuals, and facilitate timely evacuation. These actions reflect a strong sense of collective responsibility, preparedness, and resilience in the face of an emergency situation.

Shelter and Housing Losses

The fire caused extensive destruction to residential shelters across the affected blocks. According to the investigation of camp site management, a total of 369 shelters were completely destroyed, with all household belongings burned. An additional 112 shelters were partially damaged. Among the partially damaged shelters, 74 were dismantled, while 38 were located in neighboring Blocks D1 and D5.

The distribution of fully destroyed shelters is as follows:

Block D2: 76 shelters

Block D3: 180 shelters

Block D4: 120 shelters

The scale of destruction resulted in the displacement of hundreds of families. Most affected households sought temporary refuge with relatives or friends within the camp. Immediate assistance is essential to support displaced families in coping with the sudden loss of shelter, household items, and basic necessities.

Impact on Essential Facilities and Infrastructure

The fire significantly affected critical Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, raising immediate public health concerns. Damage was reported to 86 latrines, 68 bathing cubicles, 11 water points, and one section of the water distribution network. These disruptions increased the risk of sanitation-related diseases, requiring urgent intervention by humanitarian actors.

Additional damage to site infrastructure and community assets included:

• Pathways: 2 damaged
• Stairs: 5 damaged
• Slope protection structures: 11 affected
• Solid Structure Locations (SSL): 40 damaged
• Land Allocation (LA) areas: 2 damaged
• Trees burned: 55

• Furthermore, 11 learning centers and 2 mosques or madrasas sustained damage. Health facilities and distribution points, however, remained operational, allowing essential services to continue without interruption.

Displacement and Humanitarian Response

A total of 369 households were displaced as a result of the fire. All displaced families arranged temporary accommodation with friends or relatives within the camp, and no households were relocated to Temporary Collective Shelters (TCS). Emergency responders, camp management teams, and community volunteers worked throughout the night to manage evacuations, provide first aid to injured individuals, and coordinate immediate relief efforts.

• According to a Camp 16 youth, as investigations into the cause of the fire continue, camp authorities and relevant stakeholders are conducting detailed damage assessments and coordinating recovery initiatives. Humanitarian organizations have begun providing life-saving emergency assistance, including food, water, medical care, and temporary shelter materials. However, the current level of assistance remains insufficient to support full recovery and long-term rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The Camp 16 fire incident underscores the persistent vulnerabilities faced by refugee communities living in densely populated and resource-constrained environments. While the absence of fatalities reflects strong community response and resilience, the extensive destruction of shelters and critical infrastructure highlights the urgent need for strengthened fire prevention measures, improved infrastructure planning, and sustained humanitarian support. Addressing these structural vulnerabilities is essential to reducing the impact of future emergencies and ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of displaced populations.

Photos- RAR Institute Team

About the Author

Mohammed Siraj is a Rohingya multidisciplinary researcher, political analyst, human rights advocate, and aspiring legal scholar who aims to specialize in Public Law and International Law. His work focuses on politics, conflict dynamics, public and international law, policy and institutions, migration studies, Rohingya identity, human rights violations, genocide, education, refugee issues, humanitarian crises, and social justice. He is based in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.