Newsroom
A fast-moving wildfire ripped through parts of Souni late Wednesday night, destroying homes and forcing a frantic effort to evacuate a local dog sanctuary as flames edged dangerously close to the area.
The fire, driven by dry conditions and wind, erupted near residential areas around nightfall, prompting police, fire crews, and volunteers to spring into action. Several homes were reportedly burned, but no injuries have been confirmed as of Thursday morning.
One of the night’s most emotional scenes unfolded at Robert’s Dog Sanctuary, which issued a public plea for help as the fire advanced. Volunteers poured in from nearby villages and towns, many on foot, to help evacuate the 32 dogs housed at the shelter.
“All dogs are evacuated! Thank you from all our tails!” the sanctuary posted on social media, adding that around 80 people rushed to the shelter to help walk the animals to safety, with another 100 waiting nearby in case backup was needed.
Local authorities have yet to confirm the total number of structures damaged, but eyewitnesses described at least several homes in Souni left uninhabitable. Firefighters remained on alert throughout the night to prevent flare-ups, while residents returned at daybreak to assess the damage.
Community members have been quick to rally, offering shelter to displaced residents and animals alike.
“This could’ve been much worse,” said one volunteer, still holding a leash hours after the evacuation. “But the way people came together last night—it was something special.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
