Property worth millions lost in Greenhill Junior School fire

MITYANA, (UG): The Police Fire Brigade in Mityana District on Tuesday managed to contain a fire outbreak at Greenhill Junior School which left pupils’ property worth millions destroyed in the burning flames.

In a police statement on Wednesday morning, Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson Ms Rachael Wamala confirmed the 6:20 pm fire incident which occurred on Tuesday at the school located in Bbuye-Kikumbi village.

“On August 8th, 2023, Police Fire Brigade in Mityana managed to control a fire outbreak at Greenhill Junior School located in Bbuye-Kikumbi LC Busimbi Division of Mityana Municipality. The incident came to the attention of authorities at approximately 6:20 PM on the evening of August 8th, 2023,” Ms Kawala said.

According to Kawala, the well-coordinated response by the fire brigade was immediate, ensuring their prompt arrival at the school premises which helped to contain the fire within the boys’ dormitory.

“Thanks to the decisive efforts of the fire brigade, the flames were extinguished promptly, preventing the situation from escalating into a catastrophic event. The fire was contained within a four-room structure designated as a boys’ dormitory,” she explained.

While one of the rooms, measuring 8×8 feet, suffered substantial damage, Ms Kawala says “the remaining three rooms were successfully spared from harm.”

The room that bore the brunt of the fire outbreak contained various items such as wooden beds, mattresses, clothing, books, basins, and other personal effects.

“Despite the damage imposed on these materials, it is a relief to report that no casualties or injuries were recorded. Initial investigations point to an electric short circuit as the likely cause of the fire,” she added, before appealing to school administrators to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of their institutions.

“Installing fire extinguishers in key locations is strongly recommended to swiftly tackle such emergencies. Additionally, schools are urged to enlist the services of licensed electricians when undertaking any electrical installations, to mitigate potential hazards,” Kawala noted.