Welding Sparks, Poor Exits Blamed for Ramogi House Blaze

A fire broke out at Ramogi House on Luthuli Avenue, with welding sparks believed to be the cause.

Emergency crews struggled to access the affected area due to the building's design, which featured a single exit. Wilson Wanjiru, Nairobi County’s Assistant Director of Fire Services, noted that the lack of ventilation worsened the situation, making it harder for responders to manage the heat and smoke inside.

The blaze began in a textile shop, and nearby, a mobile phone accessories store was storing batteries that emitted toxic fumes as they burned. The combination of flammable materials and hazardous gases increased the fire’s risk, requiring careful containment measures. 

Despite these challenges, firefighters were able to limit the damage to the floor of origin, allowing traders on other levels to recover their stock. Preliminary investigations suggest that welding work, carried out in the building, ignited the fire. 

Fire officials have called on contractors and business owners to follow strict safety protocols during such activities, particularly in areas with combustible materials. Luthuli Avenue, a busy trading hub, is home to numerous buildings with inadequate fire exits and poor ventilation. 

Experts warn that such structural deficiencies, combined with the storage of hazardous goods, increase the risk of fires.