Joseph Isangura
A potentially devastating fire was narrowly contained on Wednesday after flames broke out in a nine-storey commercial building located in the Posta area of Dar es Salaam, at the busy junction of Azikiwe and Samora streets.
The incident, which occurred in the early afternoon, triggered panic among workers and passersby in one of the city’s most congested business districts, but swift action by emergency responders prevented large-scale damage.
According to the regional fire authorities, the emergency call was received shortly after midday, prompting an immediate response from firefighting and rescue teams. Fire engines and personnel were dispatched to the scene without delay, allowing crews to reach the building while the blaze was still at a manageable stage. Their rapid intervention ensured that the fire was contained before it could spread through the upper floors of the high-rise structure.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, a senior officer from the city’s fire and rescue services said firefighters managed to control the flames in a short time, effectively saving the building from extensive destruction. He noted that the coordinated response and accessibility to the site played a critical role in limiting the impact of the fire, particularly given the building’s height and its location in a densely populated commercial zone.
Despite the successful containment, the incident was not without casualties. Two people sustained injuries during the ordeal and were rescued from the building before being rushed to a nearby public hospital for medical treatment. Officials confirmed that their injuries were not life-threatening, though they remain under observation as a precaution.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine what triggered the blaze, examining factors such as electrical systems, stored materials, and general safety compliance within the building. Fire officials emphasized that such inquiries are essential not only to establish responsibility, but also to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly in high-rise buildings that accommodate large numbers of workers daily.
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Eyewitnesses described dramatic scenes as smoke billowed from the lower floors and began rising upward, raising fears that the fire could engulf the entire structure. Rehema John, who was working nearby at the time, said the fire appeared to start on one of the lower levels before spreading quickly, causing alarm among occupants and pedestrians. Another witness, Jackson Emmanuel, recalled seeing people rushing out of the building as emergency sirens filled the area.
Both witnesses praised the firefighters and other security agencies for their timely response, noting that several people trapped on the upper floors were safely evacuated. Their actions, observers said, helped restore calm and prevented what could have turned into a major urban disaster.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of fire preparedness in rapidly growing cities like Dar es Salaam, where high-rise buildings are increasingly common. Urban safety experts have repeatedly called for strict enforcement of fire safety standards, regular inspections, and improved emergency response systems to cope with the risks associated with vertical development.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city and commercial hub, has experienced several high-profile fire incidents in recent years, often linked to electrical faults and poor safety compliance. As investigations continue, authorities are urging building managers and occupants to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines issued by the Fire and Rescue Force.
The event also underscores broader concerns about urban safety and disaster preparedness in fast-growing African cities. For now, however, many in Dar es Salaam are counting themselves fortunate that a potentially catastrophic blaze was brought under control before claiming lives or destroying a major city landmark, reinforcing the critical role of emergency services in safeguarding the public.
