Freetown, 24th February 2026 – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has reported a surge in fire outbreaks across Sierra Leone, recording 30 incidents between January and February 2026.
According to NDMA data, the Southern, Northern, and Western Area Urban regions were hardest hit, with Bombali and Western Area Urban districts alone accounting for more than half of all cases nationwide.
Alarmingly, nearly half of the incidents – 13 cases – were classified as having unknown causes, underscoring the challenges of fire prevention and investigation. Among the identified causes, electrical malfunctions and power surges topped the list, responsible for 14 incidents, making electricity the most frequent risk factor during the period.
The agency also noted that some outbreaks were linked to community disputes and unsafe environmental practices in villages, such as burning farm bushes and smoking out snakes, highlighting the role of human activity in fueling the crisis.
With the country now in the dry season, NDMA warned that the risk of fire spread, particularly from bush fires, is significantly higher. The agency has therefore urged citizens, institutions, and businesses to adopt strict precautionary measures, including:
- Using only certified electricians for installations.
- Avoiding illegal connections and socket overloading.
- Installing circuit breakers and surge protectors.
- Conducting routine inspections of wiring systems.
- Exercising caution with naked flames and burning activities near residential areas.
NDMA emphasized that fire prevention is a shared responsibility, calling on the public to take proactive steps to safeguard homes, businesses, and communities throughout 2026 and beyond.
For emergencies, the agency reminded citizens to contact its toll-free line 1199.
