Market inferno leaves over 500 traders counting losses in Iringa

Iringa. A raging fire has gutted at least 86 stalls at the popular Mashine Tatu Market in Miyomboni Ward, Iringa Municipal Council, leaving more than 500 traders grappling with the loss of stock and capital.

The blaze, whose cause is yet to be established, broke out around 2:00 am on Saturday, July 12, 2025, and rapidly engulfed large sections of the market, overwhelming early containment efforts, eyewitnesses reported.

A trader dealing in beauty products, Mr Hamisi Kihemba, said he received a distress call from a Good Samaritan shortly before 2:00 am, alerting him that the market was ablaze.

“I couldn’t save anything. My entire investment went up in smoke,” he said, visibly shaken, adding: “I’ve lost goods worth between Sh80 million and Sh100 million.”

A fruit vendor, Ms Mariamu Luvamba, said the market is largely run by women who depend on their businesses to support their families and educate their children.

“I started with Sh300,000 in capital, and my business had grown steadily over time. Now it’s all gone,” she lamented.

Iringa Municipal Markets Chairperson, Mr Raphael Ngulo, confirmed the extent of the damage and said investigations were underway to determine the cause.

“This is a devastating incident. The fire was so intense that none of the traders managed to salvage anything. I’m also among those affected,” he told reporters at the scene.

Mr Ngulo said the fire had destroyed 429 stalls within the market and an additional 86 outside its perimeter.

He appealed for urgent government intervention to support affected traders in restarting their businesses.

“We’re calling on financial institutions to develop insurance packages tailored for small traders, and where possible, to consider waiving existing debts. Access to new loans will also be crucial in helping traders recover,” he added.

Fire and rescue response

Iringa Regional Fire and Rescue Commander, Senior Superintendent Jackline Mtui, said the incident was reported via the national emergency number 114.

A fire engine from the town station was dispatched immediately, but it developed mechanical problems upon arrival.

“A second engine was sent from Iringa Airport and arrived at the scene around 3:00 am. The team managed to contain the fire and prevent further destruction. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities,” said Ms Mtui.

Authorities begin damage assessment

Iringa District Commissioner, Mr Benjamin Sitta, confirmed the incident and said a comprehensive damage assessment is ongoing to establish the extent of losses and inform response measures.

“A significant portion of the market has been destroyed. We are exploring possible relocation sites for the affected traders,” he said.

“It is important to note that although the market is situated on land owned by the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata), it is not the government property, even though the municipal council collects revenue from it,” he added.

The incident has cast a pall over the business community in Iringa, with growing calls for swift government intervention and support from development partners to assist the hundreds of traders affected.