By Hassan Osman Kargbo
A devastating fire outbreak in the Portee community, located in the East End of Freetown along the Old Railway Line, has left hundreds of residents homeless. The fire broke out around the afternoon hours on Thursday, rapidly spreading through the densely populated area, destroying homes, businesses, and properties. Eyewitnesses have expressed shock and frustration, as many people were caught off guard while at their places of business when the fire started. Tragically, due to the chaos and confusion, many were unable to save their belongings.
The fire, which reportedly started in one of the houses along the Old Railway Line, quickly engulfed nearby buildings, triggering panic and confusion among residents. Eyewitnesses described how they watched helplessly as the flames spread uncontrollably, with no immediate assistance available. “It was so sudden. People were at their shops, and within minutes the fire started spreading,” said Mariama Sesay, a resident of Portee. “Everyone ran for their lives, and most didn’t have time to even grab their belongings. The fire was too fast, and there was no way out.”
Local residents have been left reeling from the loss of their homes and businesses, with many expressing anger over what they see as preventable circumstances that contributed to the extent of the damage. One of the most significant issues cited by the community was the inability of emergency responders to reach the fire in a timely manner.
According to reports, when the fire engines arrived, they encountered severe difficulties due to a lack of proper access roads in the area. The narrow, congested streets and poor infrastructure, which are common in many parts of Freetown, prevented the firefighters from reaching the scene quickly enough to contain the blaze. “The fire trucks couldn’t get through because the road was blocked. If there were proper roads leading into the area, the damage might have been contained,” said Sorie Kamara, another resident.
Frustrated community residents have criticized the local authorities for failing to address the issue of road access and inadequate emergency response infrastructure in the area. “Why has the government not done anything about these roads before? Why didn’t they prepare for such emergencies?” said Amara Turay, a small business owner whose shop was completely destroyed. “It’s not the first time a fire has broken out here. Why are we always left to suffer like this?”
In the wake of the tragedy, many residents have taken to social media to vent their anger and demand accountability from local authorities. Some have even questioned the effectiveness of the Freetown City Council’s efforts to address fire safety and the city’s emergency response infrastructure. “If this had happened in a wealthier area, the response would have been much quicker,” one post read. “The government needs to wake up and take responsibility.”
While the authorities have pledged to investigate the cause of the fire, many in the Portee community feel that their concerns are being ignored. “We need real action. We need better roads, better fire safety measures, and better preparation for emergencies,” said Aminata Jalloh, a community leader in Portee. “We shouldn’t have to wait until lives are lost for something to be done.”
The fire has left a large portion of the Portee community displaced, with families now seeking shelter with relatives or in makeshift camps. Despite the anger and frustration that continue to build, many residents are showing resilience, with calls for immediate government intervention to help rebuild the community and prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the Portee community remains in urgent need of support, while the calls for better infrastructure and a more effective emergency response system grow louder.
The road ahead may be long, but the residents of Portee are determined to ensure that their voices are heard, and that no more lives are lost due to preventable disasters.
