Between January and April 2023, 79 recorded fire incidents raced through 46 overcrowded IDP camps, leaving 7,091 households (35,750 individuals) without basic humanitarian needs in Borno State. Nine fatalities were reported during these incidents.
The fire incidents destroyed 7,091 shelters (emergency shelters or makeshift shelters), with most of the affected population losing their belongings, including registration cards, food ration cards, biometric identification cards, and food and non-food items.
The fire outbreaks have exacerbated humanitarian needs, with 33,750 individuals, mainly women and children, being exposed to undignified living conditions and sleeping in open or crowded spaces, exposing them to protection and health risks.
With the steady influx of displaced populations, most camps and camp-site settings across the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states accommodate an average of 19 square metres or less of external living space rather than the recommended 45 m2 by international standards or 30 m2 of living space as recommended by the Sector, thus fire outbreaks remain a significant concern.