A major fire on Ebeye Island destroyed businesses and homes in Monkubok Weto on June 6, leaving dozens of residents in the Tobikle and Monin neighborhoods displaced and prompting an atoll-wide emergency response.

What began as a small fire in the Lucky Store warehouse quickly spread through the densely populated area, destroying Lucky Store, Ebeye’s second largest store, and Hotel Ebeye, where many people also live.

About 8,400 people live on Ebeye, a small island of only 80 acres in Kwajalein Atoll. As the second-largest urban center in the Marshall Islands, Ebeye is also one of the most densely populated communities in the Pacific. Based on aerial estimates, the fire damaged nearly three-quarters of an acre.

According to the Kwajalein Atoll Development Authority, more than ten families were displaced after the fire destroyed homes and damaged additional residences nearby. Community fundraising efforts report that as many as 21 homes may have been lost in the blaze. Residents ranging from infants to elders have sought shelter in schools and with relatives. Emergency officials immediately activated the Kwajalein Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts.

Community members, volunteers, and emergency crews worked together to contain the blaze. KADA thanked the many residents who helped fight the fire despite having no formal firefighting training.

Support also came from across the atoll. U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein activated its Emergency Operations Center and coordinated transportation for firefighters, equipment, and emergency supplies. A fire engine and crew remained on standby after the fire was contained in case of additional flare-ups.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

As recovery efforts began, the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands approved a $125,000 Disaster Assistance Emergency Fund to support cleanup, relief, and rebuilding efforts.

Mayor Hirata Kapua thanked President Hilda Heine, Minister David Paul, the Cabinet, KEOC, and NEOC for their support. In a social media post, the mayor expressed gratitude for the emergency funding and for contractors beginning work to help families whose homes were destroyed rebuild their lives.

“Anij ṃokta im Yokwe aolep. Kaṃoolol Her Excellency Dr. Hilda C. Heine, Minister David Paul, Cabinet, KEOC im NEOC kōn aer kar ippān doon kōn juon Disaster Assistance Emergency Fund ippān US tarin joñan ñe $125,000 ñan rein nukir im ṃōttar im ekkar bwil ṃōko ṃweir ekoba ro ilo Tobikle im Monin, bōkan wōt aer mour ilo kōtan in Contractor rein rej kōṃṃane jerbal in aer jino kalōk ṃōkein ṃweer.”

KADA officials say assessments are continuing. Seven homes with partial damage have been inspected and may be repaired so families can safely return. Additional evaluations will determine the full extent of damage to homes that were completely destroyed.

The Ebeye community, local churches, businesses, government agencies, and supporters throughout Kwajalein Atoll have continued providing assistance as affected families begin the difficult process of recovery.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ebeye-families-after-the-devastating-fire