Maung Sar Ga, Narinjara News, 21 March 2025 

Residents have reported that the Arakan Army (AA)'s Arakan People's Government has prohibited the storage and sale of fuel in villages located in liberated areas of Arakan State to prevent fires. 

A resident from a liberated area informed Narinjara News that on March 19, officials from the AA village administration announced via loudspeakers that the community should be more vigilant about fire risks with the arrival of summer. They also notified residents that the sale and storage of fuel in wards and villages is strictly banned. 

"Each home should possess a fire beater, fire hook, ladder, and sandbags. They were also informed that if these items are absent during inspections by authorities, actions will be taken," the resident stated. 

The officials also informed that fuel may only be kept and sold within 100 yards of the wards and villages. They cautioned that actions would be taken against individuals who do not adhere. 

A village fuel seller voiced worry, stating, “If fuel storage and sales aren’t allowed in the village, the authorities need to select a nearby site. Alternatively, the sellers will be dispersed throughout." 

Residents in the area note an increase in unauthorized fuel transactions occurring on the streets of wards and villages in liberated areas and surrounding regions after the battles for town control in Arakan State.

In cities under the AA's control, the Arakan People's Government's Fire Department has been limiting fuel storage and sales since February as a fire prevention measure. 

The AA has taken control of 14 townships in Arakan State, including Paletwa in Chin State, and has set up fire departments in every township to actively encourage fire prevention initiatives. 

Regardless of these attempts, locals report that certain houses in different districts and communities have suffered fire damage because of negligent fire handling.