HARARE CBD -A large fire broke out at Robinson House in Harare’s central business district on Wednesday afternoon, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and prompting a rapid emergency response. The building, located at the corner of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue and Angwa Street, became the scene of panic and confusion as onlookers gathered and emergency services battled to contain the flames.
The Harare Fire Brigade arrived at the scene shortly after the blaze was reported and immediately began efforts to extinguish the fire. Firefighters, dressed in full protective gear, could be seen scaling ladders, spraying high-pressure hoses into the upper floors of the building, and evacuating nearby premises as a safety precaution. Several streets surrounding Robinson House were cordoned off to allow emergency personnel to carry out their work without obstruction.
As of late Wednesday, the cause of the fire had not been determined. Officials said it was too early to confirm whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault, human negligence, or other circumstances. The full extent of the damage to the building and its contents also remains unverified, though visible flames and thick black smoke suggested significant destruction.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with people scrambling to leave the building and others attempting to salvage goods before the fire spread further. Some employees working in nearby shops reported hearing a loud crack before smoke started seeping from the windows of one of the upper floors.
“We just saw smoke coming out of the building and thought it was a small fire,” said Tamuka Dube, a vendor who operates at a nearby intersection. “But within minutes, the smoke became very thick, and people started running. Firefighters arrived quickly, but it looks serious.”
Fire Breaks Out at Robinson House in Harare CBD, Investigations Underway
Robinson House is a well-known commercial building in the capital, housing several small businesses, offices, and retail outlets. Its location in one of Harare’s busiest areas made the fire especially alarming, as many feared that the blaze could spread to neighbouring buildings or affect foot traffic in the CBD.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) also responded to the incident, providing crowd control and ensuring that the public kept a safe distance. An officer at the scene told reporters that no casualties had been reported at that stage, though medical teams remained on standby in case of injuries or smoke inhalation.
By late afternoon, large crowds had gathered on nearby pavements, capturing videos and images of the burning building on their phones. Social media was quickly flooded with footage of the fire, prompting an outpouring of concern and speculation about what might have triggered the blaze.
City of Harare spokesperson Michael Chideme confirmed that a full investigation would be launched to determine the cause of the fire and assess the structural integrity of the building. “We are working closely with the Harare Fire Brigade and other emergency teams to manage the situation,” he said. “Once the fire has been fully extinguished and the area declared safe, we will begin assessing the damage and launch a formal inquiry.”
According to The Herald, preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have originated from one of the building’s upper offices, but this has not been officially confirmed. Authorities are urging members of the public to avoid speculation until the investigation has been completed.
The incident has once again raised questions about fire safety and emergency preparedness in Harare’s commercial buildings. While the Fire Brigade’s response was swift, concerns have been expressed over whether most buildings in the CBD are equipped with functional fire extinguishers, alarms, and evacuation protocols.
“This should be a wake-up call for all building owners and tenants,” said Tendai Nyoni, a local safety consultant. “We need to ensure that all commercial buildings are up to code and that people know how to respond when fires break out. It’s not just about property—it’s about lives.”
As night fell over the capital, the Fire Brigade continued efforts to douse the last pockets of fire, with smoke still drifting over the city skyline. Emergency officials urged the public to stay clear of the area until further notice.
Authorities are expected to provide an official update in the coming days, once the scene has been fully secured and investigators have pieced together how the fire started. Meanwhile, the tenants of Robinson House are left to assess the damage and begin the difficult process of recovery.
Source- Herald
