NIAMEY GRAND MARCHE FIRE

UNCLAS NIAMEY 000385 DEPT FOR AF/W ACCRA ALSO FOR USAID/WA PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON SOCI PGOV NG SUBJECT: NIAMEY GRAND MARCHE FIRE ¶1. Shortly after 1400 on May 27, a fire broke out in a shop in the Grand Marche of Niamey (the largest market in Niger). It spread quickly through the immediate area, and burned for several hours, generating a high column of smoke visible across the city. In addition to Niamey's limited fire fighting resources, the airport firefighters and equipment were used to contain the blaze. ¶2. There were no reports of deaths or serious injuries, which is extraordinary considering the chaotic conditions that impeded the efforts of fire fighters and other rescue personnel, as well as the high population density of the area. Police were required to suppress looting by miscreants, while the fire trucks struggled to reach the fire through the crowds and congestion. (Note: The Niamey City government conducted a sweep of the Grand Marche in 2007, noting a need to clear corridors that would facilitate the passage of fire fighting trucks and equipment in the event of a fire. At that time a number of vendors, some who had set up shop without permits, complained that the mayor's actions were targeted at poor people without minimal means to pay for permits. End note.) ¶3. Even under normal conditions, the market is a densely packed area of more than 10 acres. The central market "building" is a warren of hundreds of individual stalls, connected by narrow walkways, with additional sidewalk vendors along the exterior. The market is crowded with shoppers, as well as merchants and their helpers. Narrow streets are further constricted by handcarts, donkey carts, and double parked vehicles. ¶4. The fire was brought under control around 1730. According to police reports, about 1,500 vendors were affected, mostly sidewalk stalls. Police sources indicated the fire was accidental, sparked when a pack of pressurized mosquito spray fell off a shelf and exploded, presumably because of the heat. (Note: Yesterday's high in Niamey was 108 Farenheit. End note.) In a slightly different version of events, the organization that runs the market reported that 2,500 shops were destroyed, and that the fire was caused by a short-circuit. ¶5. The full cost in terms of shops and merchandise destroyed or damaged has not yet been released. The same market was destroyed by fire in 1982, resulting in fatalities as well as substantial financial losses. ALLEN