Rwanda National Police has explained that the structure of Goico Plaza in Musanze District made it difficult to use firefighting helicopters to extinguish the fire that gutted the commercial building on October 10, 2026.
The explanation follows questions raised on social media about why helicopters were not deployed, as they were during a forest fire on Mount Muhabura in Burera District on August 14, 2026.
CIP Benson Ndemezo, an officer in the Rwanda National Police department responsible for firefighting and rescue operations, told Imvaho Nshya that aircraft are mainly used to fight fires in open areas, while buildings, roofs and other obstacles make aerial firefighting difficult.
He said emergency responders used the resources available to them and cautioned the public against misleading videos circulating on social media, noting that some may have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Ndemezo also said preliminary investigations suggested that welding activities near flammable materials may have caused the Goico Plaza fire.
The market housed tailoring and other craft businesses, where sparks from welding could have landed on clothes, mattresses and other combustible materials, igniting them.
“Preliminary investigations into the cause of the Goico fire found that welding was being carried out near highly flammable items such as clothes and mattresses. The person welding did not consider where the sparks would land,” he said.
He added that delays in reporting the fire allowed it to spread to other floors before firefighters began their response.
Other factors that complicated the firefighting operation included insufficient modern equipment, some equipment being outdated or worn out, and a lack of facilities to store water for firefighting.
The close storage of goods, including mattresses, gas and restaurant supplies, also contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Ndemezo urged traders and residents to comply with building regulations, avoid activities that could cause fires and ensure that business premises are equipped with functional fire extinguishers.
He also encouraged people to report fires promptly, reassuring them that experiencing an accidental fire would not automatically lead to arrest.
“Many people are afraid because they think they will be arrested when they experience an accident. Let me reassure them: you will not be arrested simply because you have suffered an accident. Call for help in time,” he said.
Goico Plaza accommodated more than 2,000 traders and other workers and received over 10,000 visitors, according to the report.
Northern Province Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice said the fire destroyed goods and equipment worth more than Rwf30 billion, while the building itself was valued at Rwf17 billion.
