The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has raised alarms over a notable increase in fire incidents across the nation, with 38 cases documented in the first two months of 2025.
The Southern Region has been particularly affected, accounting for 15 of these incidents, while the Western Area follows closely with 10 reported cases. The Northern Region has experienced 8 incidents, and the Eastern and Northwestern regions have recorded 5 and 4 incidents, respectively. This worrying trend has placed immense pressure on the NDMA’s emergency response teams, prompting the agency to call for heightened vigilance and adherence to fire prevention strategies among residents. Preliminary investigations by the NDMA indicate that a significant number of these fire outbreaks are attributed to electrical malfunctions, unsafe cooking methods, and the careless burning of agricultural lands. The ongoing dry season has exacerbated the situation, leading to an uptick in bushfires, particularly in rural areas. In response to this crisis, the NDMA is collaborating with the National Fire Force and various stakeholders to launch community engagement initiatives aimed at raising awareness about fire safety.
These campaigns, broadcast via radio and television, focus on educating the public about the safe use of electrical appliances, responsible cooking practices, and the importance of establishing protective farm belts to mitigate the risk of bushfires. Lit. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay, the Director General of the NDMA, highlighted the necessity of a united effort in fire prevention. He stated, “The recent increase in fire incidents is alarming, and it is imperative that we all take responsibility for fire safety. Simple preventive actions—like turning off electrical devices when they are not in use, avoiding overloading electrical outlets, not cooking indoors, and properly marking farm boundaries to prevent bushfires—can significantly protect lives and property. The NDMA is dedicated to supporting affected communities and enhancing our national response capabilities.” To further address the situation, the NDMA is conducting assessments across the country to identify those directly impacted by the fires, enabling them to provide necessary assistance to alleviate the situation. The agency encourages the public to stay alert and promptly report any potential fire hazards. It is currently formulating targeted strategies and action plans aimed at reducing the likelihood of future fire incidents. The NDMA assures citizens that it is diligently working to mitigate the unpredictable occurrences of fires across the nation. Members of the public are urged to remain informed and to report any fire threats by calling the NDMA’s toll-free line at 1199, accessible on all networks.
