Property of unknown value was on Thursday night was destroyed when in a fire outbreak at a residential building in Kilifi town. The fire started at around 8pm and is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault.

One of the tenants is said to have illegally reconnected electricity in his house, after being disconnected bythe Kenya Power over outstanding arrears. Salome Katana, a victim, said the fire broke out when most of the tenants were not in.

However other sources said the fire was caused by a leaking gas cylinder. Police however said the cause of the fire is yet to be established. A fire engine was almost damaged as furious residents, who were trying to put out the fire, chased away the council firefighters after they arrived with a little amount of water.

Kilifi police boss Clement Wangai however said that the community should develop a positive attitude towards the council's services. The residents challenged the council to respond quickly when such disasters occur. They also called on the council to ensure water reservoirs for fire engine are put at strategic points.

The council chair lady Esther Kache said the council has only one fire engine and is sourcing for funds to purchase a bigger fire engine. During the night inferno nothing was salvaged. No one was injured.