Cause of Douala airport fire outbreak revealed

The commission of inquiry was given ten days to determine the cause of the fire that razed part of the Douala international airport on the night of 10th to 11th November 2014. This was to assess the damage and propose solutions to prevent recurrence of the incident. The investigative commission after submitting a copy to its president, the prefect of the Department of the Wouri, Naseri Paul Bea, four days ago, announced the results yesterday 25th November to the press.

A few points noted as far as the damage concerned included the fact that a comprehensive audit of the building affected by the fire made it possible to assess the damage. On the side of companies operating in the area, recorded losses were valued at tens of millions F.

The findings established by the commission revealed among other things that, the building was old and outsized in architecture. Illegal wiring system were noted, just as the absence of a fire security system as provided by safety regulations.

Also noted was the failure of a plan for storage of dangerous goods. There was no documented plan for a crisis management, which permitted and equipped staff to deal with critical situations. The lack of means of communication between the stakeholders and the relief, made it difficult to know who to contact on the day of the incident.

The reactivity was not satisfactory for firefighters from the airfield, particularly in terms of time taken to intervene and difficulties to open stores.

They proposed as solution, the complete closure of the structure for the duration of the work of repairing the damage and the resettlement of the operators of the affected area, so as to continue their activities without hindrance.

There is the need for upgrading of electrical installations, the establishment of a crisis management plan, the training of the officials and other actors in the management of critical situations and the referral of the aviation authority compared to the reactivity of the firefighters.

They also proposed that the people living around the oil pool from Douala airport be located around a minimum of 100 m security perimeter, and awareness created among residents on the dangers of living near such facilities.

Satisfied with the results from the inquiry commission, the prefect of the Wouri assured that the report will be sent in the coming days to the Government.