By Forum staff writer
A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed several shops and business centres along ECOWAS Street in Freetown, leaving traders counting heavy losses and disrupting commercial activities in one of the capital’s busiest areas.
The fire broke out recently and spread rapidly through the densely packed business district, reducing many structures to ashes and destroying goods worth millions of leones. ECOWAS Street is widely known as a major commercial hub, hosting a wide range of traders dealing in electronics, clothing, food items and household goods. The incident has therefore dealt a serious blow to the livelihoods of many families who depend on daily trading activities in the area.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of fear and confusion as flames engulfed several shops within a short period. Shop owners and residents were seen struggling to rescue whatever items they could before the fire intensified. Thick smoke covered large sections of the street, forcing nearby businesses and residents to flee for safety.
Firefighters from the Sierra Leone Fire Force later arrived at the scene and worked for hours to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. Their efforts helped to bring the situation under control, although by that time extensive damage had already been done to several properties.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. No official statement has yet been released by the Sierra Leone Fire Force or other relevant authorities. There have been no confirmed reports of deaths or serious injuries, but officials say assessments are ongoing to determine the full impact of the incident.
Affected traders have expressed deep frustration and sadness over the losses suffered. Many say they have lost their entire source of income and are appealing to the government, city authorities and humanitarian organisations for urgent support. They are calling for assistance in the form of relief items, financial support and measures to help them rebuild their businesses.
The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety in crowded commercial areas across Freetown. Traders and residents are urging authorities to strengthen fire prevention measures, improve emergency response and enforce safety regulations to reduce the risk of similar disasters in the future.
Authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the fire to establish its cause and recommend preventive measures. Meanwhile, cleanup efforts have begun as affected traders assess the damage and consider their next steps following the devastating outbreak.
