Fire Torches Tourist Resort In Turkana [VIDEO]

A huge fire on Thursday, September 7 broke out at the Safari Hotel tourist resort in Turkana County.

Kenya Red Cross, who shared a video capturing the flames visible from the hotel's rooftop, stated that the inferno consumed a section of the hotel, even though its cause is yet to be established.

The leading humanitarian organization added that emergency response teams were deployed to put out the fire, reported to have started at 3.40 p.m.

"A fire outbreak has been reported at the Safari Hotel, Lokichar area, Turkana County.

A fire outbreak has been reported at Safari Hotel, Lokichar area, #Turkana County. Fire brigade & dispatch notified, RCATs are at the scene.

More updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/0FjLxXnOdF — Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) September 7, 2023

"Fire brigade and dispatch notified. RCATs are at the scene," stated the Kenya Red Cross on X (formerly Twitter).

Residents in the video stood horrified and watched as the huge inferno razed the hotel with some seen mobilising their fellow residents in a rush to provide emergency assistance.

Others could be seen pouring water on the burning building from a nearby roof as they awaited the arrival of fire and rescue services equipped with fire engines.

Other business persons were seen evacuating and removing their valuables for fear of the fire spreading to the nearby buildings and meeting the same fate. The number of casualties by the time of publishing was yet to be established.

RCATs stand for Red Cross Action Teams and these are trained and available volunteers who are ready to respond to emergencies such as the Safari Hotel fire, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

From offering a shoulder to cry on to meeting any immediate needs for shelter or supplies to connecting people with long-term recovery services, RCAT volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone. 

"As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you’ll provide emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery. After your initial training, your shifts will include responding to emergencies within 2 hours, night or day, rain or shine, either on the scene or coordinating remotely to provide immediate compassion and care.

"With experience and further training, you can take on leadership and response coordination roles to have a wider impact. At the same time, you’ll be developing skills that you may choose to apply to larger-scale disaster response efforts with the Red Cross," states the Red Cross in part.

Turkana is a popular tourist destination known for attractions such as Lake Turkana, Central Highland National Park and two islands on Lake Turkana that migratory birds use as a stopping ground.

Lake Turkana is considered the largest desert lake in the world and the county is the cradle of mankind.

An aerial view of Nabiyotum Crater in Lake Turkana – the world’s largest desert lake and the world’s largest alkaline lake – in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. /GO PLACES DIGITAL