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