Several students lost their belongings on Wednesday afternoon after a fire broke out at a building along Leopold Takawira Avenue, between George Silundika Street and Fife Street in Bulawayo, where they were staying.
The City of Bulawayo said its fire brigade deployed eight fire engines, three water bowsers and three hydrants to contain the blaze.
In a statement on Wednesday night, the council said the first call was made at 1.15 pm by an employee at City Hall, with the first team arriving at 1.20 pm — within the international standard response time of 10 minutes. Crews found the building engulfed, suggesting the fire had been burning for some time before it was reported.
Investigations into the cause are under way, with preliminary findings pointing to poor housekeeping. Close to 20 LP gas cylinders were found inside the building, which is now used as student accommodation.
The council urged residents to promptly report fires using emergency numbers, noting the delay in reporting this incident.
It also raised concern over motorists who fail to give way to emergency vehicles and urged drivers to do so at all times.
The council further warned residents against starting veld fires, saying it is recording an increase in such incidents, with five cases attended to on Wednesday alone.
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