Bukavu, 21 February 2011 – Blue Helmets based in Bukavu, in the South Kivu Province, intervened on 21 February to put off fire in a home located in the nearby town of Mitti. According to the Quick Reaction Force made of Pakistani troops, the early evening blaze was caused by the explosion of lethal fuel in containers stacked near a burning stove. The fire threatened to spread to houses nearby.

The UN soldiers first cordoned off the area, kept the surging crowd at bay before dousing the fire within 30 minutes.

There was no casualty nor were there any injuries. However, the affected house was seriously damaged, and the owner who suffered serious material loss, fainted while witnessing the extent of the damage. The medical officer who was part of the rescue team intervened and provided first aid.

Lt Col Liaqat Ali Qamar/ MONUSCO