By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Government of Sierra Leone has secured four brand-new multipurpose fire service vehicles for the National Fire Force Service as part of efforts to strengthen its operations and emergency response capacity.
The disclosure was made by the Public Relations and Legal Officer of the National Fire Force Service, Bintu Fatmata Kamara Esq., during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press conference held at the Miatta Civic Centre, Youyi Building, Freetown, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Kamara said the four vehicles had already been shipped, with two currently in Sierra Leone, while the remaining two are expected to arrive before the end of the year. She described the development as significant, noting that the Fire Force urgently needs additional vehicles to effectively carry out its operations.
She also disclosed that 200 new personnel had been recruited with the support of the Ministry of Finance. The final list has been submitted to the Human Resources Management Office (HRMO) for the issuance of personal identification numbers (PINs).
According to her, the newly recruited personnel are expected to undergo training in October before officially joining the Fire Force.
Kamara further revealed that the service had received two additional power service vehicles from Spain through a donation. The vehicles, which came with equipment, have been deployed to power stations, and personnel have also been trained in their operation.
“The government has constructed new power stations for us. We now have stations in Magburaka, Port Loko, Mattru Jong, Pujehun and Kabala, which have been completed and are awaiting commissioning,” she stated.
She explained that the Fire Force now has stations in most district headquarters, except Falaba and Karene, where operations are currently limited due to a shortage of personnel. She said the newly recruited firefighters would eventually fill those positions once they complete their training and officially resume duty.
The Fire Force has also secured new boreholes at its stations in Kissy, Headquarters and Aberdeen, Kamara disclosed. She said the facilities would help address water-access challenges previously experienced by firefighters, particularly in areas far from existing water sources.
She further announced that Makeni had received a brand-new fire station to replace the old facility, which had been in use for about 15 years.
On the Fire Force’s operational performance, Kamara disclosed that the service responded to and contained 375 fire incidents nationwide between January 1 and August 31, 2026.
Of the incidents recorded, 249 occurred in the Western Area, 38 in the Southern Region, 30 in the Northern Region and 57 in the Eastern Region.
She identified major incidents during the period as fires at Ecowas Street, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), and the Library Board in Makeni, among others.
Kamara also revealed that the Fire Force conducted 10 rescue operations between January and August this year. Eight of the operations involved people trapped in water wells, while two victims were rescued alive. She noted, however, that the eight victims involved in the well incidents later died.
As part of its fire-prevention efforts, the Fire Force targeted 250 schools nationwide, where officers educated pupils about fire safety and prevention.
The service also conducted awareness campaigns in 58 communities, educating residents on measures they can take to prevent fire outbreaks and respond appropriately during emergencies.
Kamara appealed to the media to help publicize the Fire Force’s emergency toll-free numbers, stressing that early reporting is critical to a quick response.
She said members of the public in Freetown can call 300 for Headquarters, 301 for Kissy, 302 for Aberdeen and 309 for Rokel, while those in the provinces can call 303 for Makeni and 307 for Kenema.
She urged the public to call the Fire Force as soon as an incident occurs, noting that the earlier an emergency is reported, the faster firefighters can respond.