By: Alimatu Kargbo
During the government’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Freetown, Nazir Kamanda Bongay, Chief Fire Officer of the National Fire Force, disclosed that his organization has recorded a total of 216 fire incidents nationwide from January to date. “From January to March, we documented approximately 201 fire incidents, with an additional 15 occurring in April alone,” he stated.
In light of a recent fire incident at the State House on Saturday, April 12, 2025, Bongay explained that the cause was an electrical malfunction. He emphasized that the National Fire Force remains proactive, with swift interventions being a priority. He noted that under President Bio’s administration, significant improvements have been made in fire safety measures.
Bongay mentioned that fire safety bills and policies are currently under review by the cabinet and are being subjected to public scrutiny, which he believes will enhance firefighting efforts. He also indicated that new fire stations have been constructed across the country, although some are awaiting engines to become operational.
