The blaze, which engulfed a significant portion of the complex, has since been contained, with city officials now investigating the cause.

Mayor Mafume Praises Coordinated Firefighting Efforts

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume was present at the scene to oversee the response and offer support to the emergency crews. In a statement shared on its official Facebook page at 10:53 AM, the City of Harare praised the swift and coordinated action of its fire services and the crucial assistance of volunteers.

City of Harare Responds to Glen View 8 Fire, Praises Swift Action as Blaze is Contained

"As has become the norm, the Mayor rushed to the scene to inspire our firefighters and give support," the city stated. The post continued, "The fire has since been contained by the City of Harare fire brigade. The City would like to thank the gallant firefighters and the Emergency Help Group which helped mobilise 300,000 litres of water to fight the fire."

Investigation into Cause Underway, Flammable Materials a Known Risk

The City of Harare had earlier confirmed the incident in a separate Facebook post at 10:11 AM, stating that "a devastating fire has engulfed Glen View 8 Furniture Complex and the City of Harare fire brigade is currently attending to the inferno."

With the fire now under control, authorities have launched an investigation into its exact cause. While a definitive source has not yet been confirmed, officials have noted that the furniture complex is known to have "large deposits of shavings," which are highly flammable and could have contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.

Mayor Mafume on Scene as Firefighters and Volunteers Mobilize 300,000 Litres of Water

This is not the first time the Glen View 8 Furniture Complex has been ravaged by fire. The recurring incidents have fueled long-standing calls from traders and residents for the implementation of improved safety infrastructure, including the installation of fire hydrants and surveillance systems to mitigate risks and deter potential arson.

Despite these previous calls, no further official statements have been made regarding future fire prevention plans or the extent of the damages from Sunday’s incident. There were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities.

The community now awaits the findings of the investigation, hopeful that this latest disaster will prompt concrete action to prevent future occurrences at the vital economic hub.