The cause of the fire at the Douala Airport revealed

The Commission of Inquiry points out dilapidated building and faulty connections.

They had ten days to determine the cause of the fire that destroyed parts of the Douala International Airport on the night of 10 to 11 November, 2014, assess the damage and propose solutions to prevent the incident again.


The joint investigation commission, gave their findings to the president, the prefect of the department of Wouri, Naseri Paul Bea, four days before reporting the findings on November 25 to the press.


Some key points to remember in this investigation report.


First the damage: a full audit of the building affected by the fire will help to take stock of damage. Exploitative business side of the area, some recording losses amounted to tens of millions F.


Findings made by the board: among others, the building was dilapidated and unconventional. Faulty connections were noted, as was the lack of a fire safety system as required by the regulations.

Also noted, the failure of a storage plan of dangerous goods. The lack of a crisis management plan, which leads to a not always equipped staff to deal with critical situations. The lack of communication between stakeholders and relief result, it was difficult to know who to turn to the day of the incident. The unsatisfactory response of firefighters from the aerodrome, particularly in terms of time taken to intervene and difficulty opening the stores.


Proposed solutions: the complete closure of the damaged building for the duration of damage repairs. The resettlement of the operators of the affected area, so that their business will continue unhindered. The upgrading of electrical installations. The establishment of a crisis management plan. The training of officials and other actors in critical situations management. Referral to the aviation authority in relation to the reactivity of firefighters.


Also proposed the eviction of people settled around the oil pool of the Douala Airport, with respect to a security perimeter of 100 m minimum, and awareness of the residents on the dangers that there are to those living near such facilities.


Satisfied with the results of the inquiry, the prefect of the Wouri assured that the report will be sent in the coming days the government.