Fires rage in Riyadh, Sakali camps in Darfur

A fire in Riyadh Displaced Camp in Darfur killed one refugee and resulted in serious burns to another three. The huge fire broke out on Monday afternoon in part C of the camp, which is located near the West Darfur capital of El Geneina. At least 150 houses were devoured in the blaze.The fire brigade did not arrive until after the fire, which refugees quelled using primitive means. When a car from the fire brigade arrived late, it was surrounded by angry people. The firemen were later accused of beating protesting children and firing warning shots in the air.

The Riyadh Camp fire is the latest in a series of fires without explanation.

Meanwhile in South Darfur, a fire broke out in Sakali camp, burning a number of houses and property. Sheikh Saad Osman Idris told reporters that the fire gutted a number of houses and caused big losses. The sheikh complained that no fire vehicle had arrived to contain the fire. He warned of outbreak of fires in this period in the narrow camp streets, because of the wind. He requested the state government and aid organizations provide urgent support to those affected by the fire.