A fire outbreak at Butiru Christian Comprehensive Secondary School domotry on Sunday evening destroyed a significant amount of property, but all students and staff were reported safe and unharmed.
Property destroyed includes books of students,beds, mattress among others
Authorities expressed relief that no lives were lost in the incident, while also raising concern over the recurring problem of fire outbreaks in schools, particularly those with boarding facilities.
Rogers Taitika the Elgon region police spokesperson called for renewed commitment to fire safety in schools, urging parents, staff, school leaders, and the community to prioritize the safety and well-being of learners.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has repeatedly issued guidance to school administrators on fire prevention and response. Key measures include routine fire safety checks, servicing fire equipment, conducting regular fire drills, removing burglar-proofing from dormitory windows to prevent entrapment, and prohibiting caretakers from cooking near dormitories.
Taitika says schools have also been advised to educate learners on the use and importance of fire equipment to prevent vandalism, and to ensure sick students are accommodated in sick bays rather than in dormitories.
District leaders have been urged to take existing guidelines seriously and to carry out routine inspections to prevent future incidents.-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
