Fire breaks out at Centenary Bank

By Hudson Apunyo

LIRA - Pandemonium broke out at Centenary Bank, Lira Branch when a fire alarm went off forcing people to scamper for safety.

The bank's security cordoned off the premises that also house Equity Bank and evacuated all clients and staff.

A private fire company, K-Fire backed by another, Fire and Rescue Service, responded and put out the fire before it could spread.

Fire fighters preparing to get to work. PHOTO/Hudson Apunyo

Police said the mid-day fire believed to have started due to an electric short circuit was seen from the ATM section.

Eyewitnesses said they saw smoke coming out of the ATM section. A witness said many people were in the bank and the security and bank staff forced them out.

Customers outside Centenary Bank after being evacuated. PHOTO/Hudson Apunyo

Police later arrived and reinforced the bank security to control the crowd.

The Regional Police Commander, Richard Aruk Maruk, said the fire started from the air conditioning in the ATM section of the bank. He said no much damage was done and that the rescue group responded in time to put out the fire.

The RPC said this was an eye opener to institutions to be sensitive to fire alarms.

“It’s good that we heard the alarm and responded very fast,” he said.

The air conditioner was damaged beyond repair but all money remained safe, Aruk said.