Traders at a popular market in Dar es Salaam are counting huge losses after a late-night fire destroyed hundreds of stalls on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The fire, whose cause is still unknown, broke out shortly after 11:00 p.m. and spread quickly through the market, fueled by wooden structures and corrugated iron stalls. Eyewitnesses said flames engulfed the entire market within minutes, leaving traders helpless as they watched their livelihoods go up in smoke.
Firefighters arrived at the scene and battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control in the early hours of Monday morning. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were reported, but property worth millions of shillings was reduced to ashes.
Traders say they have lost merchandise, cash, and personal belongings, with some reporting that everything they had worked for over the years is gone.
“I have lost all my stock of clothes and household goods. I don’t know how I will feed my children or pay rent this month,” said one distraught trader.
Local authorities, including Kinondoni District Commissioner and fire officials, visited the scene Monday morning to assess the damage. They have promised to work with security agencies to determine the cause of the fire and explore ways to support affected traders.
Early investigations suggest the fire could have been caused by an electrical fault or arson, but officials say they will release a full report after a joint probe by the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force and police.
Business associations are now urging the government to establish better fire safety measures in public markets, including installing fire hydrants, providing insurance options for traders, and creating emergency funds for disaster relief.
This is not the first time a market in Dar es Salaam has gone up in flames. Similar incidents have occurred in Kariakoo and other busy markets, raising concerns over poor infrastructure, lack of fire preparedness, and inadequate enforcement of safety standards.
For now, hundreds of traders remain stranded, with many calling on President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government to step in and help them rebuild their businesses.
