Fire burns 3 bungalows at Jerreh camp lodge

By Alagie Manneh A wild bush fire, aggravated by serious winds, Sunday spread into a local lodge in Sitanunku—25 kilometres away from Barra, burning to ashes three expensive bungalows. Eyewitnesses said the fire, which was doused before spreading to the other seven bungalows, broke out following grass-cutting and burning by a group of boys, just outside the lodge. The owner and proprietor expressed relief that no one was hurt, but said he has lost over 15,000 euros to the flames which raged for several hours before Fire and Rescue Services men intervened. Fakebba Senghore, 48, said his bungalows were also furnished and “very nice looking”, adding that the equipment inside all came from France. A father of ten and an employer of more than 12 workers, Senghore said he is now seeking for assistance in order to put his life and the lives of others back. “I will find life very difficult from now because I am also taking care of my family. And right now they are all crying because they know the source of their income is no more as hundred percent of it comes from tourism,” he said. He said he has been running the Jerreh Camp for close to two decades, but is now afraid the days of his life-changing business may be numbered. “I am the only Gambian who has a spot hunting camp,” he boasted as he reiterated his call for greater support towards his faltering venture. However, he thanked the Gambia Tourism Board, who he said has always been there for his enterprise.]]>