A devastating fire has engulfed Sierra Leone’s State House in Freetown, the official residence and office of the president, prompting a large-scale emergency response as fire crews work tirelessly to contain the blaze.
The fire, which broke out around 4:00 p.m. GMT on Saturday, April 12, ravaged the third and fourth floors of the historic building, though officials have confirmed that the president’s office on the second floor remains unaffected.
President Julius Maada Bio was not in the country at the time of the fire, as he is currently attending a conference in Turkey. The Ministry of Information has assured the public that “emergency teams are working diligently to ensure the president’s office remains protected.” The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Eyewitnesses and videos shared on social media show flames erupting from the upper windows of the iconic white building, with thick black smoke visible from across central Freetown. Local resident Mohamed Kamara told AFP: “We saw smoke and fire billowing from the windows and the top floor of the building this evening.”
Police have cordoned off the area surrounding the State House, with security forces and soldiers deployed to manage crowds and ensure safety. Fire trucks were seen entering the courtyard as emergency teams worked for hours to control the fire.
The incident has reignited public concern about the preservation of Sierra Leone’s heritage, especially after the historic Freetown Cotton Tree was destroyed by fire two years ago.
Built in 1895 as Fort Thornton, the State House originally served as the residence of the colonial governor and later became the official home of the prime minister in 1961. Since 1971, it has served as the residence and main workplace of Sierra Leone’s head of state.
