The Fire and Directorate of Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services has identified candle wax as a leading cause of fires in the country.
Assistant Inspector General of Police, Stephen Tanui, reported that in 2024, candles were responsible for numerous fire incidents across various households.
He was giving an overview of the recently released 2024 crime report.
Tanui pointed out a significant level of negligence regarding the use of candles, charcoal stoves, and other heating devices.
Tanui recounted a tragic incident where children lost their lives and property was destroyed because their mother, who had gone out for the night, left a candle burning while locking them inside.
“She locked the door from the outside, leaving the children with no escape. If only she had left the door open, those lives could have been saved,” he lamented.
He also highlighted poor cooking practices, noting that some individuals cook at night and leave charcoal stoves unattended, leading to fire outbreaks.
Tanui emphasized that combating fires in Kampala poses significant challenges due to limited access in many slum areas. “Reaching many of these locations is complicated. Authorities need to tackle the issue of accessibility,” he stated.
