Camp 8W is one of the more densely populated camps and has over the years already experienced serious large scale fire events. It continues to face significant fire risks due to several factors. The camp remains densely populated and is comprised mainly of bamboo and tarpaulin shelters, with a significant fire load. These makeshift homes are tightly packed, with narrow pathways, making it challenging for emergency services to access areas quickly during a fire.

The lack of proper fire access for state actors, coupled with limited water access, exacerbates the problem. The use of LPG stoves for cooking, which are often left unattended and faulty electrical connections in host community shops and shelters, often installed without proper oversight, adds to the risk. With limited fire safety education, camp residents are not adequately prepared to handle fire emergencies, further increasing the likelihood of small fires turning into major incidents.

Seasonal weather conditions, such as dry, windy periods, heighten the danger of fire spreading rapidly across the camp. While humanitarian organizations have provided fire prevention measures, including fire extinguishers and awareness programs, these efforts are often insufficient due to the overwhelming population and resource limitations.

Overall, the fire risk in Cox’s Bazar refugee camp is severe, driven by poor infrastructure, overcrowding, and limited fire safety measures, posing a constant threat to the vulnerable refugee population.