Seven fires reported in Arakan State in 2026; residents urged to heighten safety awareness

By Admin 14 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 February 2026, Minbya

At least seven fire outbreaks have been reported across Arakan State since the beginning of 2026, according to data compiled by DMG.

The incidents occurred in Minbya, Kyaukphyu, Maungdaw, Sittwe and Mrauk-U townships. Among them, fires in Minbya, Maungdaw and Mrauk-U were attributed to negligence, resulting in significant property damage, one death and two injuries.

As the region enters the dry season, local residents and civil society organisations are urging the public to remain vigilant against fire hazards.

“With the dry season approaching, it is crucial to be extremely careful with solar power systems and leftover embers. We have seen many people lose everything in these fires. Since a single fire can destroy all of one’s possessions, special care is needed,” a young resident of Mrauk-U said.

On January 15, an infant died in a house fire in Naw Naw Muslim Village, Minbya Township. More recently, on February 7, two unoccupied houses were destroyed by fire in Ward 2 of Maungdaw.

In another incident on February 9, a petrol station in Laymyosar Village, Mrauk-U Township, was destroyed after a fire broke out during the measuring of fuel. One man sustained injuries in the blaze.

“While authorities and relevant officials issue fire safety warnings, public compliance remains weak. During this dry season, officials need to actively conduct awareness campaigns, and the public must strictly follow safety guidelines,” an official from the Kyauktaw Youth Association said.

A fire caused by negligence also recently broke out near the airport in the junta-controlled state capital, Sittwe.

Civil society organisations have warned that Arakanese people are already suffering from the junta’s airstrikes and facing high commodity prices due to blockaded travel routes. They stressed that residents should exercise extra caution to avoid further losses from preventable fire disasters.