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Fire Incident Reported in Addis Ababa’s Mercato Shema Area
A fire broke out in the Mercato Shema area of Addis Ababa on Monday, October 21, 2024, causing widespread concern among local residents and businesses. According to eyewitnesses, the fire has been difficult to control, despite several minutes of firefighting efforts.
“The fire is intense and has yet to be contained. People are fleeing, trying to save their belongings,” reported witnesses on the scene. They noted that despite attempts to put out the blaze, significant property has already been affected.
Emergency personnel have called for additional resources and space to better address the situation, stressing that “water alone is not enough to extinguish the fire.”
Residents who were not directly affected by the flames have been seen evacuating their properties as a precautionary measure.
Mayor Adanech Abebe Addresses the Incident
Addis Ababa Mayor, Adanech Abebe, provided an update on the situation through her official social media channels. She expressed deep regret over the property losses caused by the fire in the Mercato Shema area and highlighted ongoing efforts to control the blaze.
In her statement, Mayor Adanech mentioned that firefighting efforts are being complicated by the narrow roads in the area, making it difficult for fire trucks to reach the scene. As a result, a helicopter has been deployed to assist in controlling the fire.
“I urge all those involved in the emergency response to redouble their efforts to mitigate the damage,” the mayor stated, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration between fire and rescue teams, local authorities, and the community.
Efforts to contain the fire continue, with the focus on preventing further property damage and ensuring the safety of residents in the surrounding areas.
