A massive fire broke out in the Muslim refugee camp of Kyin Ni Byint under Pauk Taw township, a few mileseast of Sittwe, last evening that renderedmore than 3,000 people homeless.

According to a reliable source the incident took place at around 5:30 pm and it damaged 150 houses and 35dormitories in the Kyin Ni Byint IPDcamp.

The fire is understood to start from the kitchen of U Lalia’s family in the camp as they were cooking riceand curries.

Aung Kyaw Tun, in charge of the camp, informed that the fire rapidly spread to nearby houses. After hours ofstruggle, the fire could be dousedat 9 pm.

Besides the damage of houses and dormitories, a large volume of rice grains was also burnt in the fire.

Now turned homeless,  3710 people of the camp are now taking shelter in the schools and acquisitionbuildings.

U Lalia’s family has already left the place, fearing arrest by the police.

The responsible government officials visited the place last night. They are expected to come again.

More than 7,000 Muslim refugees are living in the camp, which was opened after the communal conflict inRakhine State during the year 2012.