Cameroon: Fires - Feb 2026

On 7 February 2026, a series of large-scale fires affected multiple internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Kolofata, Mayo-Sava Department, Far North Region, Cameroon. The fires occurred in quick succession between 10:00 and 11:45 a.m., initially impacting the Ndaba (Bergerie), Kordo Bergerie, and Camp Lélédé sites, before spreading to Camp Lélédé Tribune, located more than two kilometres away. The rapid and uncontrollable spread of the fires was exacerbated by strong winds, the highly flammable nature of shelter materials (millet stalks and wooden poles), and the absence of fireghting capacity within the camps. As a result, the affected sites were almost entirely destroyed. The incident resulted in one confirmed fatality (an eight-year-old child), several injuries, and left thousands of already highly vulnerable displaced persons without shelter, food, or essential household items, significantly aggravating their humanitarian needs. (IFRC, 23 Feb 2026)