A fierce fire broke out on Saturday, April 12, 2025, inside Sierra Leone’s presidential building located in the heart of Freetown, the West African nation’s bustling capital. The incident, which sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, caused extensive damage to the upper floors of the historic State House but spared the official office of President Julius Maada Bio.
Eyewitnesses and emergency officials confirmed that the fire started around 4:00 PM local time and quickly spread across the third and fourth floors of the iconic white building that houses the seat of Sierra Leone’s executive power. Fortunately, President Bio was not on the premises at the time, as he is currently attending a diplomatic conference in Turkey.
The country’s Ministry of Information released a statement shortly after the outbreak, clarifying that the second floor—which includes the president’s official office—remained intact due to prompt intervention by emergency responders.
“Emergency teams are working diligently to ensure the lower sections of the building, especially the President’s office on the second floor, remain protected,” the statement read.
Residents near the State House described a harrowing scene as smoke and flames erupted from the upper windows of the building. Mohamed Kamara, a witness, told AFP reporters, “We saw smoke and fire billowing from the windows and the top floor of the building this evening. The heat was intense, and the air was thick with smoke.”
In a rapid response to the incident, Sierra Leonean police cordoned off key streets around the presidential complex, while soldiers and security personnel were deployed to ensure safety and prevent unauthorized access. Videos circulating on social media platforms showed flames licking out of the upstairs windows, with emergency personnel working fervently to contain the blaze.
As of press time, the cause of the fire remains unknown. The Ministry of Information noted that investigations are underway to determine the origin of the incident. However, concerns have already emerged about the building’s infrastructure and the reliability of its fire safety systems.
This is not the first time questions have been raised about fire preparedness in the country. Sierra Leone’s public buildings have long suffered from poor maintenance and outdated safety systems, and the incident at the State House is expected to renew urgent calls for investment in fire prevention and emergency response infrastructure.
An independent source from the Office of National Security, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “While we await the official report, there is speculation around potential electrical faults. What is clear is that fire safety in our most important government buildings must now be prioritized.”
The State House, one of Freetown’s most recognizable landmarks, is more than just a government office. Built during colonial times, it has housed multiple administrations and has witnessed the evolution of Sierra Leone’s political landscape from independence through periods of conflict and democratic transition.
For many Sierra Leoneans, seeing the State House engulfed in flames is both emotional and symbolic—a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that continue to affect public institutions in the country.
In his first reaction to the incident, President Bio took to X (formerly Twitter) from Istanbul, where he is attending a regional security conference, to reassure citizens that no lives were lost and that an investigation had been ordered.
“I have been briefed about the fire incident at State House. I am thankful to God that there were no casualties. I commend our emergency responders for acting swiftly. Investigations are ongoing, and we will ensure accountability,” the president posted.
The incident has sparked a wave of reactions both locally and internationally. Civil society organizations have urged the government to immediately audit the safety infrastructure of all public buildings. Opposition leaders, while expressing relief that no lives were lost, have also called for transparency in the investigation.
“This is a wake-up call for the entire government,” said Francis Kargbo, a human rights advocate. “The safety of national assets and institutions should never be taken for granted. We expect a thorough, independent probe into what went wrong.”
As Sierra Leone reels from the shock of the fire, there are growing calls for a comprehensive review of public infrastructure, especially those housing key governmental operations. Experts suggest that outdated electrical systems, a lack of fire drills, and underfunded emergency services may be contributing factors to such incidents.
In the coming days, the results of the official investigation will be closely watched, as citizens demand answers and measures to ensure such a fire never happens again—especially not at the symbolic heart of the nation