FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — April 12, 2025 — A significant fire erupted at Sierra Leone's State House, the official residence and principal workplace of the President, located in central Freetown. The blaze primarily affected the third and fourth floors of the building, while the presidential quarters on the second floor were reportedly untouched.
The fire commenced around 4:00 p.m. local time, with emergency services responding promptly to contain the flames. As of now, no casualties have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has noted a concerning increase in fire incidents across the country, with 67 fire outbreaks recorded in the first quarter of 2025 alone, accounting for 94% of all reported disasters during that period.
President Julius Maada Bio was abroad in Turkey at the time of the incident, attending diplomatic engagements. The government has assured the public of a thorough investigation into the fire's origin and has emphasized the importance of enhanced fire prevention measures nationwide.
The State House, originally constructed in 1895 as Fort Thornton, holds historical significance as the former residence of the colonial governor and later the Prime Minister. Since 1971, it has served as the seat of the presidency, symbolizing the nation's governance and sovereignty.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging citizens to remain calm and vigilant, highlighting the critical need for improved fire safety protocols to prevent future incidents of this nature.
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