Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event
19-03-2025
What happened, where and when?
Sierra Leone is highly vulnerable to disasters such as fires, floods, landslides, and windstorms, with fire outbreaks being particularly prevalent during the dry season. The Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency had previously warned of an increased risk of fire hazards due to the effects of climate change, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and mitigation efforts.
Since the beginning of 2025, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has recorded 55 fire incidents across the country, with 16 occurring in the Western Area alone. These fires have caused widespread destruction, severely impacting homes, businesses, and public institutions. The increasing frequency and scale of these incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger fire prevention measures, community awareness, and a more robust disaster response system.
Between 13 and 21 March 2025, a series of devastating fires swept through multiple locations, leaving a trail of destruction and displacement. In Freetown, a fire at Race Course Road, Up Gun, engulfed 26 spare parts shops and four vehicles, resulting in an estimated financial loss of NLe 6,480,000. While no fatalities were recorded, the economic toll was severe, particularly for a motor spare parts dealership that lost goods valued at NLe 6,105,000, along with cash stored in safes. On 13 March, a fire in Makaintay Village destroyed 21 houses, displacing 245 people. The following day, another fire in Kenema District razed 19 houses, leaving 360 people homeless, while a wildfire in Kpetema Village, Bo District, consumed 45 houses and 13 rice barns, displacing 1,075 people. On 16 March, Ngiya Village in Moyamba District suffered the loss of 36 houses, affecting 1,035 people. In Faada Village, Kono District, a wildfire originating from farmlands spread to homes on 19 March, destroying 22 houses, displacing 265 people, and tragically claiming the lives of two children while leaving two others with severe injuries.
Following this tragic incident, NDMA urgently appealed to partners for support in responding to fire emergencies across the country. On 21 March, an explosion in Freetown’s Mountain Cut area triggered a fire that destroyed three houses, affecting eight households and 26 families.
The primary cause of these widespread fires has been linked to the burning of farmlands, a common agricultural practice that, when uncontrolled, quickly spreads to residential areas. Additionally, structural vulnerabilities in urban settlements and sudden explosions have exacerbated the damage. The recurring nature of these fires highlights the critical need for community-led fire prevention initiatives, improved urban planning policies, and comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies.
In response to these emergencies, NDMA, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS) and other humanitarian partners, is conducting assessments to determine the full extent of the damage and to prioritize urgent assistance. Emergency response teams have been deployed to provide life-saving aid, including emergency shelter, food, and essential household items, while also supporting long-term recovery efforts. NDMA continues to appeal to partners and donors for support in restoring livelihoods, rebuilding homes, and strengthening community resilience. Strengthening collaboration between government agencies, humanitarian actors, and affected communities will be crucial in preventing future fire disasters and enhancing the country’s overall disaster preparedness and response capacity.
While initial fire incidents were reported since 9 March it was at small scale and within NDMA response capacity. The date of 19 March is considered the trigger date based on an official assessment confirming significant impact, and a request from NDMA on the said date for Red Cross and other partners to provide timely assistance.