A fire broke out at a fuel storage yard in Shwe Set Ward, Area (1) of Myitkyina Township, Kachin State, at around 8:35 am on April 9.

According to fire service records, the blaze started while a tenant, U Kyaw Thu Aung, was transferring fuel from one tank to another using a machine.

The Myitkyina Fire Services Department was alerted at approximately 8:40 am, and a firefighting team led by Director U Than Zaw Oo from the State Fire Chief’s Office responded swiftly. A total of 40 firefighters and 20 auxiliary personnel were deployed, along with multiple fire engines, water bowsers, and support vehicles from nearby wards and the Township Development Authority. The fire was fully extinguished by 9:45 am, after more than 15,000 gallons of water and 50 gallons of foam were used.

The fire destroyed one HINO fuel bowser, twelve fuel storage tanks, and two buildings measuring 30×30 feet and 30×20 feet. Total losses were estimated at Ks45 million. No human or animal casualties were reported.

“The fire could be seen from about four miles away and noted that the fuel bowser exploded during the incident. The current market price is more than a few hundred thousand kyats,” said Ko Thein Htun, who went to see the fire from Tat Kone Ward.

Authorities have opened a case against the tenant under Section 285 of the Penal Code at Palana Police Station in connection with the fire.