Rwanda National Police (RNP) has launched an investigation into a fire outbreak that occurred on Monday, February 16 on a commercial building in Rubavu town. The fire broke out at around 10:00 a.m. in a facility housing multiple businesses, causing property damage. ALSO READ: Emergency Ministry sounds alarm on building insurance as fire incidents rise SP Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Western Region Police spokesperson, told The New Times that “investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the losses.” He called upon the public to adopt preventive measures against fire accidents. “We remind people to equip their buildings with basic fire safety tools,” he noted. UPDATE: A fire broke out at a commercial building housing multiple businesses in Rubavu town at around 10:00am today, causing significant property damage. According to SP Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Western Region Police spokesperson, investigations are ongoing to determine the... pic.twitter.com/aepNp85yqN — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) February 16, 2026 Local authorities in Rubavu town revealed that the affected building was among other several older structures whose owners had been instructed to renovate or rebuild in line with the town’s urban development plan. “We ordered the owner of the building to upgrade it and construct a new one in line with the town’s vision,” said Francine Uwineza, Executive Secretary of Gisenyi Sector, adding that the businesses operating there were not insured. ALSO READ: Govt launches national assessment for building insurance
