By Kadiatu Bash Kamara
The National Fire Force has outlined a series of measures aimed at improving its operational capacity, expanding its presence across Sierra Leone and enhancing citizens’ experiences with emergency fire and rescue services.
Speaking at the Weekly Press Conference held at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, the Force’s Public Relations Officer and Legal Officer, Bintu Fatmata Kamara Esq., said the institution, established under the 1985 Fire Force Act, continues to strengthen its ability to respond to fire incidents and other emergencies across the country.
The press conference, hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, focused on the topic: “Fire Force, Correctional Service and the Police: What Is Being Done to Improve Citizens’ Experiences?”
According to Kamara, one of the major challenges facing the National Fire Force has been inadequate equipment and personnel. She disclosed that the government has taken steps to address these challenges, including plans to recruit 200 new firefighters. She said the recruitment process is expected to progress in the coming months, with successful recruits expected to commence training and subsequently join the Force officially.
“We really need the equipment and personnel to strengthen our operations and improve our response to emergencies across the country,”
She also revealed that the government has procured four brand-new multipurpose fire engines, with two expected to arrive shortly and the remaining two anticipated before the end of the year. In addition, the Force is set to receive donated fire engines and related equipment from Spain, further boosting its operational capacity.
Beyond equipment, Kamara said the government is expanding the National Fire Force’s infrastructure. New fire stations have been constructed in several locations, including Magburaka, Mattru Jong, Pujehun and Kabala, with commissioning and full operationalisation expected after the deployment of personnel and equipment. She said the development will significantly improve the Force’s ability to respond to emergencies outside the capital.
The National Fire Force is also placing greater emphasis on fire prevention and public education. Kamara explained that the Force is moving beyond responding to fires to educating citizens on how to prevent them. She said public awareness campaigns have already been conducted in the Western Area and North-Western Region, with plans to extend the initiative nationwide. The Force is also targeting 250 schools for fire-safety education and has reached approximately 58 communities through sensitisation activities.
“We are not only responding to fires; we are taking a preventive approach because most fire incidents can be reduced when people are properly educated and understand how to prevent them,”
Kamara further highlighted ongoing efforts to improve access to water during emergencies through the rehabilitation and expansion of fire hydrants. She noted that only a limited number of hydrants are currently operational in Freetown, making water access a major challenge during firefighting operations. The Force is therefore working to improve the availability of hydrants, while additional fire stations and equipment are expected to strengthen emergency response.
She disclosed that from January to the end of August 2026, the National Fire Force had responded to 249 fire incidents across the country, including incidents involving major public facilities. During the same period, the Force also conducted 10 rescue operations, which resulted in the successful rescue of two people whose lives were at risk.
Kamara stressed that the National Fire Force’s responsibilities extend beyond firefighting to include rescue operations and other emergency interventions. She said the institution remains committed to protecting lives and property while strengthening its relationship with communities through education, prevention and rapid response.
“Our responsibility is not only to extinguish fires; we also carry out rescue operations and preventive activities to protect lives and property,” she emphasised.
The National Fire Force says the combination of new personnel, modern firefighting equipment, expanded infrastructure, improved water access and nationwide public education will help build a more responsive and effective emergency service capable of meeting the needs of citizens across Sierra Leone.
