The gold mining town of Kharakhena, in the commune of Bembou (department of Saraya), was once again struck by a violent fire on Monday, February 2, 2026. Less than a week after a first disaster on January 30, which destroyed more than thirty concessions, the flames again sowed desolation on the gold mining site.

The fire broke out shortly after 1 p.m. in an area heavily populated with makeshift housing, restaurants, and small businesses. In this environment dominated by wood, tarpaulins, and other highly flammable materials, the fire spread with alarming speed, catching many residents by surprise, who were only able to save a small portion of their belongings.

As with the previous fire, the absence of firefighters throughout the Saraya department forced residents to confront the flames on their own. Armed with buckets, shovels, and makeshift tools, they battled the blaze for nearly two hours, finally bringing it under control around 3 p.m. This collective effort prevented a much worse outcome. No deaths or injuries were reported.

The material damage, however, is particularly severe. According to information gathered on site, more than forty shacks were completely destroyed, taking with them family homes and several businesses. For a population whose economic survival largely depends on gold panning, these losses represent a devastating blow with lasting consequences.

Initial findings suggest the fire originated in a property occupied by two foreign nationals. They are expected to be questioned by the Kharakhena gendarmerie as part of the ongoing investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze.

Beyond this tragic event, the frequent occurrence of these fires has reignited a long-standing debate: the urgent need for a fire station in the Saraya department. In this area, regularly exposed to accidental fires, the population is too often left to fend for itself, jeopardizing its safety.

These two successive fires serve as a wake-up call for the authorities. Residents and local elected officials are calling for swift and concrete measures to strengthen prevention, improve the safety of gold mining sites, and enhance the capacity to respond to disasters that, without foresight, risk recurring.