By Weswa Ronnie
MANAFWA
A fire outbreak has gutted a dormitory at Butiru Christian Comprehensive Secondary School destroying a significant amount of property
The fire that broke out in the evening of Sunday, 31st May, 2026, however, left all students and staff unharmed.
Property which was destroyed include student books, beds, and mattresses.
Authorities expressed relief that no lives were lost in the incident, while also raising concern over the recurring problem of fire outbreaks in schools, particularly those with boarding facilities.
Rogers Taitika, the Elgon region police spokesperson roots for renewed commitment to fire safety in schools, urging parents, staff, school leaders, and the community to prioritize the safety and well-being of learners.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has repeatedly issued guidance to school administrators on fire prevention and response.
Key measures include routine fire safety checks, servicing fire equipment, conducting regular fire drills, removing burglar-proofing from dormitory windows to prevent entrapment, and prohibiting caretakers from cooking near dormitories.
Taitika says Schools have also been advised to educate learners on the use and importance of fire equipment to prevent vandalism, and to ensure sick students are accommodated in sick bays rather than in dormitories.
District leaders have been urged to take existing guidelines seriously and to carry out routine inspections to prevent future incidents.
