A major fire swept through the Agounvocodji neighborhood in Cotonou’s 10th arrondissement early on Sunday morning, September 21, 2025, destroying three shops and causing significant material damage. Fortunately, no lives were lost.
The blaze was first spotted around 6 a.m. by Comlan Yves Christian Gnindokponou, head of the 10th arrondissement, during his routine morning patrol. “I used to tour the district at this time. That’s how I saw the fire in Agounvocodji and immediately called the firefighters,” he told Bip Radio.
Residents reported witnessing the fire and attempting to alert emergency services, which may have temporarily overloaded communication lines. Firefighters arrived roughly ten minutes after the alert and quickly began efforts to contain the flames.
Early assessments suggest the fire originated in a haberdashery comprising three interconnected shops: a main store and two adjoining sales areas.
“The whole place was reduced to ashes. We only found the closures and a few damaged machines,” said the district chief, describing the extent of the destruction. The owner of the haberdashery, visibly devastated by the loss of her livelihood, lost consciousness at the scene and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
Authorities have yet to determine the precise cause of the fire. An official investigation is expected to begin shortly to identify the origin and contributing factors of the blaze. In the meantime, local officials are calling on residents to exercise vigilance and extend solidarity to the victims.
The incident has drawn attention to fire safety concerns in the densely populated commercial areas of Cotonou, highlighting the importance of rapid response and community awareness in preventing similar tragedies. While the material losses are significant, the swift action of both local authorities and firefighters prevented injuries and ensured no fatalities occurred.
Authorities have urged shop owners and residents to review safety measures, including fire extinguishers, evacuation plans, and early detection systems, as the city works to prevent future incidents in its bustling commercial districts.
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