Hounde: A fire broke out this Monday, January 26, 2026, around noon, in the city of Hounde, on a site housing facilities of the National Water and Sanitation Office (ONEA), located near the residence of the High Commissioner. The fire caused material damage, according to the initial assessment at the scene. However, the final assessment has not yet been completed.

According to Burkina Information Agency, at the ONEA site, stored but uninstalled pipes were destroyed by fire. In a nearby courtyard, a shed was consumed by flames. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire broke out around noon. One of the ONEA facility's security guards, Mr. Bella, who was not present at the time, stated that he was informed of the fire around noon. He lamented the destruction of several pipes and noted that the equipment was spared thanks to the swift intervention of local residents, who helped contain the blaze.

The Dakuyo family, who lived near the site, also suffered losses. Sita Dakuyo, who was not home when the fire broke out, says she was alerted by her children. In her yard, the barn used as a shelter for livestock and some animal feed were destroyed. The livestock (an ox and some goats) inside were narrowly saved. According to the children, the fire started on the hill behind the property. Ms. Dakuyo praised the community's efforts, with many people coming to help extinguish the flames.

The presence of brush in the area facilitated the spread of the flames. No material damage was reported at the High Commissioner's residence. The joint intervention of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the civilian population succeeded in halting the fire's advance.