By Saidu Jalloh, D.S. Reporter
The National Fire Force responded to 375 fire incidents across Sierra Leone between January and August 2026, exposing the growing scale of fire emergencies nationwide.
The figures were released by Bintu Fatmata Kamara Esq., PRO/Legal Officer of the National Fire Force, during the government weekly press conference on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
According to Kamara, the Western Area recorded the highest number of fires with 249 cases. The Eastern Region followed with 57, the Southern Region recorded 38, and the Northern Region had 30.
Major incidents during the period were reported at locations including ECOWAS, SMBC, the Library Board, and in Makeni.
Beyond firefighting, the Force also carried out 10 search-and-rescue operations between January and August. Eight of those involved water-well accidents.
The operations saved two lives, while the bodies of other victims were recovered.
Kamara said prevention remains a key focus. The Fire Force has launched a nationwide fire-safety education campaign targeting 250 schools and has already sensitised 58 communities.
“Public education remains critical because many fire incidents can be prevented when people understand basic fire-safety measures and respond appropriately to potential hazards,” she said.
The Fire Force is also calling on the public and media to help popularise its emergency contact numbers to ensure residents can reach firefighters quickly during emergencies.
Officials say the high number of incidents, particularly in the Western Area, underscores the need for greater public awareness, stricter safety compliance, and faster emergency response.
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