By Joseph Momoh, Reporter, Daily Scope
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has reported 30 fire incidents nationwide between January and February 2026, data released by the agency show. The figure, compiled from incidents recorded over the two‑month period, signals a worrying rise in fire outbreaks as the country approaches the dry season.
The Southern, Northern and Western Area Urban regions bore the brunt of the incidents. Bombali District in the Northern Region and the Western Area Urban district together accounted for more than half of all reported fires, the NDMA said.
Electrical faults emerged as the single largest identified cause, implicated in 14 of the incidents. Nearly half of the reported fires—13 cases—remain of unknown origin. A smaller number were attributed to human activity, including community disputes and risky environmental practices such as deliberate burning of vegetation and attempts to smoke out snakes, which in some cases sparked accidental blazes.
With the onset of the dry season, the NDMA warned that the risk of rapid fire spread—particularly from bush fires—is elevated. The agency urged households, institutions and businesses to take immediate precautions to reduce fire risk.
Key recommendations from the NDMA include:
- Have electrical installations performed by qualified, certified electricians.
- Use circuit breakers and surge protectors and avoid illegal connections.
- Refrain from overloading sockets and extension cords and carry out regular electrical inspections and maintenance.
- Exercise extreme caution when using open flames or conducting burning activities near residential areas.
Mohamed L. Bah, Director of Communications for the NDMA, said the findings underscore the need for coordinated action across sectors and communities to tackle fire risk. The agency pledged to maintain monitoring of the situation and to work with local communities to prevent further incidents.
For emergencies, the public should contact the NDMA toll‑free at 1199.
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