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The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has responded to a fire outbreak on September 12, 2023, near the Entebbe International Airport.
The fire incident occurred outside Entebbe International Airport, specifically in a warehouse operated by the DAS handling agency.
By press time, efforts were underway by firefighters to control the fire. It is alleged that substantial property has been destroyed including mosquito nets imported by the National Medical Stores (NMS) for distribution by the Ministry of Health to the Ugandan population. The estimated value of the lost property runs into millions.
In their official statement, the UCAA reported that : “A fire incident transpired at the DAS Warehouse in the proximity of Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Collaborative firefighting efforts are underway to contain the blaze, and a thorough investigation into the precise cause of the fire is underway.”
It further reads: “The exact cause of the fire will be investigated. DAS is one of the Ground Handlers operating at the airport with offices adjacent to Protea Hotel, outside the airport’s perimeter fence”
DAS handling agency also released a statement on Wednesday September 13 clarifying that the affected building is outside the airport and that fire fighters responded to the incident in time.
“We would like to appreciate the UCAA, Uganda police Fire Brigade and UPDAF for the quick response extended when we notified them. We are currently working with relevant authorities to suppress the fire and investigations into the matter are underway” it said
The extent of damage has however not been established by the UCAA and DAS.
This incident is not the airport’s first encounter with a fire-related crisis. In 2021, a fire outbreak occurred in the airport’s fuel tanks area, causing distress among travelers and airport personnel.
During that previous incident, UCAA attributed the fire to routine maintenance on fuel tank 4, which involved utilizing a diesel-powered pump to drain remaining fuel segments. An unintended disconnection of the drainage tube led to fuel spillage and triggered the fire.
Source:Nile Wire