Property of unknown value was destroyed on Monday night after a fire broke out at a residential building in Kericho town near the National Bank office.
According to witnesses, the fire broke out at around midnight inside one of the houses before it rapidly escalated to other structures, razing 19 houses.
While confirming the incident, the Kenya Red Cross Society announced that it had dispatched a rescue team to the scene and that one person had been rescued.
“A fire has broken out at a residential area near National Bank in Kericho County. Efforts to contain it are currently underway,” the Kenya Red Cross disclosed.
Moments later, a team of firefighters from the Kericho County Government arrived at the site and with the help of the locals, put out the inferno which had consumed several structures including retail shops.
Videos and images shared online showed a team of firefighters together with the area residents battling the inferno that had engulfed the storey building.
In the process of putting out the fire, one person reportedly collapsed after inhaling smoke emanating from the fire but stabilised after undergoing first aid.
“The fire has been contained by the County Fire Brigade with support from the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Police and community members,” the Kenya Red Cross announced.
“One person was stabilized on-site for smoke inhalation and 19 households were affected. The Kenya Red Cross will assess needs for possible support today.”
The cause of the fire is yet to be established, however, police officers have since begun investigations. The latest incident adds to the number of fire tragedies witnessed in the country since the year began.
Barely a week ago, a similar incident was reported at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi in which a fire burnt down one of the school dormitories.
Kenya Red Cross, in its announcement, revealed that the fire broke out on Monday, January 20, at around 8 pm when the students were attending their evening lessons. According to the humanitarian group, no student was injured.
"A fire incident has been reported at Moi Girls High School, Nairobi. One dormitory with unconfirmed capacity was affected, with no casualties reported," the Kenya Red Cross stated.
