Published: February 7, 2025
GOGOIMA – A preliminary investigation conducted by the police and officials of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) has revealed that a fire outbreak caused by a local charcoal producer disrupted the company’s operations in Gogoima Town, Grand Cape Mount County, for several hours.
According to the police, the incident occurred on Tuesday, January 4, 2025, when a resident of Gogoima, Rashidu V. Korma, instructed his son, Rachelu Vainja, to clear and burn a plot of land located near BMMC’s Core-Yard. The fire from this activity spread uncontrollably into the Core-Yard, destroying several properties belonging to the company.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined as the police conduct their investigation. Preliminary accounts suggest that Korma had been given the plot of land outside the company’s Core-Yard by his brother, Bomia, to process charcoal.
“When my brother Bomia gave me the place, I later told my son, Rachelu Vainja, to clean and burn it. During the process, the fire spread and burned the BMMC Core-Yard,” Korma told investigators in a statement obtained by the police.
BMMC’s Health & Safety team, along with its technical staff and other personnel, managed to bring the fire under control before it could spread further. The incident, however, left many residents shaken.
One resident described the scene as “completely terrifying,” expressing gratitude for the company’s timely intervention. “Thank God the company came with their fire truck on time and put out the fire. If the team from BMMC hadn’t come to our rescue, the fire could have reached our houses and destroyed them,” the resident said.
Isaac Z.K. Sasraku, BMMC’s Community Relations Superintendent, who was present during the incident, remarked on the overwhelming smoke. “There was so much smoke in the compound that we couldn’t even breathe. Imagine the workers being in their offices—they couldn’t either,” he said.
The company reported significant losses, with over 50% of the samples drilled since the beginning of exploration being destroyed. Due to the gravity of the situation, BMMC’s General Manager, Engin Turhan, visited the site immediately to assess the damage.
Despite the setback, operations at the site have resumed, and normal activities are now underway.
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