Fire guts 20 makeshift shops in Kamwala trading area

53 Views About 20 makeshift trading structures were gutted by fire at Kamwala Trading Area in Lusaka on Tuesday night, police have confirmed. According to the Zambia Police Service, the incident occurred “at Kamwala Trading Area, behind Downtown Shopping Mall along the railway line, on August 18, 2026, around 20:40 hours.” “Kabwata Police Station received […]

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About 20 makeshift trading structures were gutted by fire at Kamwala Trading Area in Lusaka on Tuesday night, police have confirmed.

According to the Zambia Police Service, the incident occurred “at Kamwala Trading Area, behind Downtown Shopping Mall along the railway line, on August 18, 2026, around 20:40 hours.”

“Kabwata Police Station received a report of the fire and promptly dispatched police officers to the scene. Upon arrival, the officers found several makeshift trading structures that had been gutted by the fire,” the statement read.

Personnel from the Lusaka City Council Fire Brigade were also at the scene and managed to extinguish the fire.

Preliminary investigations point to a brazier left burning as the likely cause.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have originated from a brazier that was reportedly left burning at a makeshift restaurant. Approximately 20 makeshift trading structures were gutted by the fire,” police said.

An inquiry file has been opened as investigations continue to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Zambia Police Service confirmed that “No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident. The full extent of the damage and the value of the property destroyed have not yet been established and will be determined following a detailed assessment.”

In an appeal to traders, police urged caution when handling fire in temporary structures.

“The Zambia Police Service urges members of the public, particularly traders operating from temporary structures, to exercise extreme caution when using braziers and other sources of fire. Traders are also advised to ensure that all sources of fire are completely extinguished before leaving their trading areas,” the statement said.

Police further called on the public to “remain calm as investigations continue.”

The statement was issued by Godfrey Chilabi, Public Relations Officer, Zambia Police Service.