A devastating fire broke out at the State House in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Saturday, engulfing parts of the historic building that serves as the official residence and workplace of the President. The blaze, which began around 4:00 p.m. local time, primarily affected the third and fourth floors, while the president’s office on the second floor remained untouched. President Julius Maada Bio was not present at the time, as he was attending a conference in Turkey.
Emergency services responded quickly to contain the fire, with fire engines and security personnel deployed to the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, although some observers have speculated that it might be related to an interruption in electricity supply. Despite the significant damage, there are no reports of fatalities, and the swift response of emergency teams helped protect key areas of the building.
This incident has raised concerns about the preservation of Sierra Leone’s historical landmarks, following previous incidents such as the destruction of the Freetown Cotton Tree. However, the effective response to the fire highlights the resilience and preparedness of the country’s emergency services. The State House, built in 1895, is a symbol of Sierra Leone’s rich political history and architectural heritage, making this event particularly poignant for the nation.
