Police probe source of fire at Workers' House

FIRE  WORKERS' HOUSE

A cloud of apprehension hung over central Kampala Tuesday, as black smoke made its way out the ventilators of the imposing Workers' House or NSSF building for close to two hours.

 The Police trying their best to put out fire. Photo by Stuart Yiga

Anxious faces congested the road cutting through Amber House towards Grand Imperial Hotel, ogling the fire fighters as they performed heroics to save the building.

 Police fire brigade in action as anxious workers wait outside. Photo by Stuart Yiga

Fire started in the complex's basement approximately 4:30 pm, thirty minutes later trucks from the fire brigade were at the spot to quell the damage.

 Some people evacuating from the building. Photo by Timothy Murungi

Assistant Inspector General of Police Joseph Mugisa, said the fire originated from a vehicle parked in the basement. Only two vehicles were damaged.

"We shall investigate the cause of the fire," said Mugisa, who is also director for the fire prevention services.

 The wreckage of the vehicles that were burnt. Photo by Timothy Murungi

The directorate will also investigate reason the sprinkler system mounted in the high structure could not go off after the fire started.

"We are grateful to the persons who alerted us very fast after fire started and to the fire fighters who swung in action immediately they were notified of the outbreak."

He said the building was safe for occupancy.

 Fire Brigade lorry at the building before action started. Photo by Timothy Murungi

Only the roof in the basement where the fire started was damaged and soot-black.

Barbara Arimi, head of communications at NSSF, said they had an incident of fire which had been contained.

"The fire started in the basement and damaged (two) cars. No other property was damaged," she said.

She said the building was evacuated immediately the fire started.