Sierra Leone National Fire Force expands personnel and equipment

The Sierra Leone National Fire Force has reported significant operational progress and infrastructure expansion over the first eight months of 2026. Between January 1 and August 31, the agency extinguished 375 fires nationwide. The Western Area recorded the highest volume of incidents with 249 cases, followed by the Eastern, Southern, and Northern regions.

To address critical staffing shortages, the Ministry of Finance has approved the recruitment of 200 new firefighters. The final recruitment list has been submitted to the Human Resource Management Office, with training scheduled to begin in October.

In addition to personnel increases, the agency is expanding its fleet and facilities. The Government of Sierra Leone has procured four new multipurpose fire engines, two of which are already in use. Furthermore, the Fire Force received two fire engines donated by Spain, accompanied by Spanish personnel who provided operational training. New fire station facilities have also been constructed in Barmoi, Port Loko, Matru Jong, Pujehun, and Kabala, with stations now available in nearly all district headquarters towns, excluding Falaba and Kailahun.