In a surprising scene that raised concern among local residents, a limited fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, May 15, 2025, in the Manial area along the Nile Corniche, heading toward Maadi, specifically near the Misr Al-Qadima Police Station.
The fire ignited in clusters of reeds, dry grass, and palm trees along the banks of the Nile, causing flames to flare up and spread quickly due to strong winds at the time. This posed a threat to nearby green areas and several moored Nile boats close to the incident site.
Upon receiving the alert, the Cairo Civil Protection Operations Room dispatched firefighting teams within minutes, supported by multiple fire engines and water tankers. Security forces established a perimeter around the fire site to prevent civilians from approaching and to secure the area.

Fire Contained in Record Time

Civil defense forces managed to control the fire in record time, aided by the site’s proximity to the police station and nearby security posts, as well as the swift response to the emergency call.
Firefighters succeeded in surrounding the blaze and preventing its spread to nearby buildings and tourist boats anchored on the Nile. Cooling and securing operations continued for several hours to ensure the fire did not reignite.

Damage Limited to Trees and Vegetation Only

According to the preliminary report issued by civil defense, the fire did not result in any injuries or human casualties. The damage was limited to the burning of several trees, palm groves, and dry vegetation in the area, which is considered an open and uninhabited space.
The report noted that the rapid intervention by firefighting teams helped minimize the damage and contain the blaze within a limited area. It also highlighted that the site suffers from a buildup of dry, neglected vegetation, creating a highly flammable environment—especially with rising temperatures.

Investigation Underway... No Criminal Suspicion So Far

The public prosecution has begun investigating the incident, in cooperation with security agencies and forensic experts, to determine the exact circumstances and causes of the fire.
Security sources confirmed that initial indicators do not suggest any criminal intent at this time. It is likely that the fire was triggered by an external heat source, such as a cigarette butt or a spark from a nearby power source.

The sources added that investigations are currently ongoing to complete data collection and interview witnesses who were present near the scene when the fire broke out. Surveillance cameras in the vicinity are also being reviewed to detect any suspicious activity or evidence that could help clarify the cause.

Calls for Greater Attention to Neglected Areas

Following the fire, several Manial residents and environmental activists urged the relevant authorities to intensify cleaning efforts and remove waste and dry vegetation from areas along the Nile. These measures aim to prevent such incidents from recurring, especially with the approach of summer and rising temperatures.
They also called for increased environmental and inspection patrols in open green areas to ensure public safety and reduce the risk of similar fires.

Nile Corniche Returns to Normal... Ongoing Security Measures

In the hours following the incident, traffic and pedestrian movement along the Nile Corniche returned to normal after fire remnants were cleared. Security and civil defense forces continued monitoring the area in case of any developments, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.

This incident serves as a renewed warning to local authorities about the importance of regular maintenance of public areas, especially those near natural resources like the Nile, in order to preserve the environment, ensure public safety, and reduce risks caused by negligence or natural factors.