The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) says it recorded 30 fire incidents across Sierra Leone between January and February 2026, raising fresh concerns about fire safety as the country enters the peak of the dry season.
The figures were disclosed in a press release issued on February 23, 2026, in which the agency warned that a combination of electrical faults, human activity, and dry weather conditions is increasing the risk of fires nationwide.
According to the NDMA, the Southern Region, Northern Region, and Western Area Urban recorded the highest number of incidents. At the district level, Bombali and Western Area Urban accounted for more than half of all reported fires during the two month period.
Nearly half of the incidents remain unexplained. Thirteen fires were classified as having unknown causes, pointing to gaps in fire investigations and prevention.
Where causes were identified, electricity was the leading risk factor. Fourteen incidents were linked to electrical faults, including power surges, faulty wiring, and overloaded connections. Other fires were associated with human activity, including bush burning, community disputes, and the use of fire to smoke out snakes and other pests in rural areas.
The NDMA warned that dry season conditions make it easier for fires to spread rapidly, particularly in densely populated communities and areas near farmland.
In its February 23 press release, the agency urged residents and businesses to take preventive measures, including using certified electricians, avoiding illegal power connections, and exercising caution with open flames.
The agency also cautioned against uncontrolled bush burning and the use of fire for hunting or pest control near residential areas.
The NDMA stressed that fire prevention is a shared responsibility, warning that a single spark during the dry season can quickly escalate into a disaster affecting entire communities.
