AYV News, February 19, 2025
A fire broke out yesterday at the intersection of Lewis Street and Dundas Street in Freetown, resulting in the destruction of properties valued at millions of leones.
While the exact cause remains under investigation, early reports confirm that there have been no fatalities as firefighters were actively working to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of fires in Freetown over recent weeks. On February 16, a blaze on Oxley Street in Fourah Bay consumed several homes, leading to substantial property losses.
Earlier in the month, the Lumley Market was devastated by fire, destroying numerous stalls and goods worth millions of leones. Before that, the National Railway Museum suffered significant damage due to a fire originating from a nearby factory.
In response to these recurrent disasters, Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has been proactive in providing support to affected communities. Following the Lumley Market fire, she visited the site to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts.
Similarly, after the Kroo Bay fire in October 2023, the mayor engaged with victims and collaborated with various organizations to deliver assistance.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of fire incidents in the capital. Preliminary assessments suggest that many of these fires may be linked to faulty electrical connections.
The NDMA is actively working with the Freetown City Council and other stakeholders to implement preventive measures and enhance community awareness.
