By: Saidu Jalloh
National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has provided immediate relief assistance to families affected by a fire that devastated Tank Yard Field, behind the Presidential Lodge at Hill Station. The fire, which occurred on 4 December 2025 and was traced to faulty electrification in one of the rooms, destroyed property belonging to 16 households.
Following the incident, the NDMA’s Directorate of Relief and Response conducted a rapid assessment to determine the cause and extent of the damage, guiding the agency’s prompt intervention to support affected families.
As part of the relief effort, each household received a comprehensive package of essential supplies, including food items: 50kg bag of rice, sardines, tomatoes, a gallon of vegetable oil. Household items: kitchen utensils, soap, buckets, and two mattresses per household. School supplies: bags, books, pens, pencils, water bottles, and slippers for children. Rebuilding materials:30 bundles of zinc, two boxes of roofing nails, and two boxes of wire nails
During the presentation, NDMA Director of Relief and Response Sinneh Masaray Esq. expressed sympathy for the affected families and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing lifesaving support during disasters.
NDMA Director General John V. Rogers extended condolences on behalf of the agency and highlighted that the relief support was provided under the directive of President Julius Maada Bio. He noted that, beyond emergency response, NDMA prioritizes disaster prevention and mitigation nationwide and has consistently monitored, recorded, and responded to disaster incidents across Sierra Leone.
Deputy Director General Suliaman Sowa Esq. emphasized that most disasters NDMA responds to are man-made and urged residents to adopt safer practices to protect lives and property, stressing that community responsibility is key to preventing disasters.
Representing the Presidential Guard, RSM Mattia commended NDMA for its swift response and recognized the agency’s vital role in disaster management. He assured the NDMA team that residents would adhere to safety precautions to prevent future fire outbreaks.