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A devastating house fire in Hargeisa claimed the lives of five members of one family early Monday morning, leaving the local community in deep shock and mourning. Authorities confirmed that a woman, her sister, and three young children died after flames rapidly engulfed their home in the 26 June district, specifically neighborhood 150. The incident has once again highlighted the serious fire safety risks faced by families living in densely packed informal settlements across the city.
According to the Hargeisa Fire Department, the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning and spread with alarming speed. The family’s house was constructed from corrugated iron sheets and was closely surrounded by similar structures. Fire officials said this type of housing, combined with the short distance between homes, allowed the flames to move quickly from one area to another, leaving the occupants with little or no time to escape.
The victims included three girls aged 12, 7, and 5. Emergency responders arrived at the scene after receiving distress calls from residents, but by the time firefighters were able to control the blaze, the house had already been destroyed and all five occupants had lost their lives. Neighbors described the scene as heartbreaking, saying the fire spread so fast that people nearby could do very little to help.
Authorities have not yet confirmed what caused the fire. The Somaliland Police Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation and is working to determine how the blaze started. Officials said they are examining all possible factors, including electrical systems and household conditions, but no preliminary findings have been released so far. Investigators are expected to share more information once their assessment is complete.
The city’s fire chief used the incident to warn residents about the growing number of fires linked to electrical faults and unsafe living environments. He said such incidents are becoming more common, particularly in areas where homes are poorly constructed and lack basic safety measures. The fire chief urged families to regularly check electrical wiring, avoid overloading power connections, and keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
He also stressed that homes with children require extra care, as young people are especially vulnerable during emergencies. According to fire officials, simple precautions, such as switching off electrical appliances when not in use and ensuring safe cooking practices, could help reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future. The fire department called for stronger public awareness campaigns to educate residents about fire prevention and early response.
In response to the tragedy, the Somaliland government announced it had provided $40,000 in emergency assistance to support the affected family. Government officials expressed their condolences and offered prayers for the victims, asking God to grant patience and strength to surviving relatives. The financial support is intended to help the family cope with immediate needs during this difficult time.
Deadly residential fires are a recurring problem in Hargeisa, where many people live in informal settlements with limited access to fire safety infrastructure, such as proper roads for fire engines, water supplies, and smoke alarms. Over the years, several similar incidents have been reported, often involving children and resulting in heavy loss of life.
Last year, the city was shaken by another tragic fire in which several children were killed after their father, amid a family dispute, deliberately set their house on fire. That incident, like the latest one, sparked public debate about housing safety, social pressures, and the urgent need for stronger prevention measures.
As the investigation into Monday’s fire continues, residents and authorities alike are calling for renewed efforts to improve safety standards, especially in high-risk neighborhoods. Many hope that the loss of five lives will serve as a painful but powerful reminder of the need to address fire hazards before more families are torn apart by similar disasters.