Firefighters act fast to contain Kango Products blaze

A fire at Kango Products, in Bulawayo’s industrial area, was swiftly contained on Monday morning after the city’s fire brigade responded within minutes of receiving an emergency call.

According to the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, the blaze involved a dust extractor and polishers attached to a separator machine at the factory.

Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo said firefighters managed to extinguish the fire using a high-pressure hose reel, limiting the damage.

“The fire involved a dust extractor and polishers on a separator machine. One high-pressure hose reel was used, and damage was confined to the machine’s covering,” Moyo said.

He said the brigade received the call at 09:13 local time, left the station a minute later, and arrived at the scene by 09:19.

Mr Moyo praised the prompt reporting of the incident, saying it played a key role in preventing the fire from spreading and protecting property at the site.

Job seekers who were outside the factory at the time said they first noticed smoke rising from the premises before being instructed to move away for safety reasons.

“We saw smoke coming from the machine and it kept getting thicker. People started shouting for everyone to move away,” said one resident.

Another witness said the incident caused brief panic, with fears the fire could spread to nearby shops.

“There was confusion at first, and when we saw flames and smoke, people became scared. We were told to evacuate because it could be dangerous,” the resident said.

Others said the quick arrival of the fire brigade helped calm the situation, as crowds had begun to gather outside the factory.

“When the fire brigade arrived, people felt relieved. Their response was quick and helped ensure the fire did not become a bigger incident,” another witness said.

No injuries were reported, and operations at the factory were not immediately affected.

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