BUJUMBURA — A fire caused by a short circuit in the ammunition storage room led to multiple explosions at the Musaga military camp in Bujumbura, Burundi, on Tuesday night. Residents of the suburb fled their homes as blasts were heard coming from the camp.

The fire was visible from miles away as multiple explosions hit the military arsenal in Burundi's main city. Electricity was cut off within the camp and neighboring areas as civilians moved away from the site.

Army spokesperson Gaspard Baratuza sought to calm residents. "We would like to reassure the public that this is in no way an enemy attack, despite some rumors that have begun to circulate," Baratuza said.

"We ask residents of the Gasekebuye, Kanyosha, Kinindo areas and surrounding neighborhoods to remain calm and not give in to panic," Baratuza said. Emergency services were intervening at the site, according to the military.

The incident led to fears of a coup against the government, according to an army spokesperson. The electrical fire triggered the detonation of explosives at the military camp in Musaga, sending residents fleeing from multiple neighborhoods surrounding the military installation in the capital city.