Katete Fire and Rescue Services yesterday, 12th May 2026, swiftly responded to a fire incident involving a five-bedroomed house in Luangwa Compound, Katete Town.
The incident occurred around 15:00 hours at Plot No. 18 in Luangwa Compound. The response team was led by Leading Fire Fighter Rhoda Namutowe under the supervision of Sub Officer Aron Kapoma, together with a crew of three fire officers.
Confirming the incident, Division Fire Officer Haggai Manda stated that the fire brigade received the distress call at approximately 15:47 hours and arrived at the scene by 15:52 hours.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire is suspected to have originated from a socket outlet that was reportedly being used to boost a phone battery at the time of the incident.
The suspected cause of the fire was a phone battery explosion.
Upon arrival at the scene, fire officers found an 13-year-old girl unconscious after she reportedly attempted to rescue a baby from the burning house. The casualty was immediately rushed to St. Francis Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment.
Katete Town Council has since commended the quick response by the fire officers, which helped prevent the fire from completely gutting the house.
The Council has further advised members of the public to avoid practices that may lead to fire outbreaks, including:
1.Boosting phone batteries
2.Leaving charging devices unattended
3.Failing to disconnect electrical appliances after ZESCO load shedding
4.Delaying the reporting of fire incidents
Members of the public are encouraged to report fire emergencies promptly by contacting Katete Fire Brigade on 0770764551.
Katete Town Council