KMC Defends Response to September 8–9 Fires, Denies Delayed Action During Gen-Z Protests

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has defended its handling of the fires that broke out across the valley during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9, claiming its firefighters responded to as many as 57 separate incidents despite facing serious obstacles.

At the 43rd Executive Meeting on Friday, Disaster Management Division Chief Bishnu Prasad Joshi dismissed accusations that KMC failed to act when key government buildings, including Singha Durbar and the Supreme Court, were set ablaze. He said the spread of multiple fires and street violence made operations “extremely difficult” as fire trucks were attacked and blocked from reaching affected areas.

Joshi added that fire engines were deployed across Basantapur, Chabahil, and Sundhara, but were forced to retreat in some cases after being pelted with stones. “Even security escorts were targeted, leaving no choice but to pull back to safety,” he said.

The city administration also refuted claims that Lalitpur Metropolitan City acted independently to control the Supreme Court fire, clarifying that any support came through official coordination.

The clarification follows mounting criticism of Mayor Balen Shah, who has been accused of failing to respond swiftly during the two days of violent protests that saw major government and heritage sites go up in flames.