In the wake of a shop and house fire incidents that occurred in Kailahun on 18 and 20 October 2020, a new fire station was commissioned by President Julius Maada Bio on Saturday 21st November 2020. The fire station which is part of four new fire stations to be built nationwide is equipped with a fire engine and fire fighters to combat future fires in the Eastern District.
The two fires that destroyed properties worth millions of Leones took place in Kono Town Section, Kailahun highway, Segbwema and Kailahun town respectively. Meanwhile, the first fire incident happened in Kono Town Section on 18th October 2020 at around 1:30 pm, according to sources. The fire outbreak occurred due to the ignition of a solar panel battery. The ignition from the solar panel battery came in contact with free burning materials causing the fire to spread widely.
One of the living quarters that belong to the Apex Community Bank was entirely gutted by the fire. The inferno was extinguished by inmates. On the other hand, the second fire outbreak occurred on 20th October 2020 at 35 Beudu Town in Kailahun. Thieves entered the shop of a local businessman many believe to be the richest in the town and stole goods.
The shop sold building materials and other items such as rice, sugar, flour, foam mattress, etc. On their way out, the thieves set the store on fire, which was completely destroyed. They were chased by neighbours, but none was apprehended. The fire outbreak which took place at 12:30 am was extinguished by residents with water.
Notwithstanding that, the Chief Fire Officer, Nasir A.A Kamanda Bongay, has revealed that the Kailahun Fire Station is operational with a fire engine and personnel to keep the town and satellite villages safe. “The hot line for the fire station is 310,” he added. He furthered that “as we are entering the harmattan season which is warmer and dryer, people should be conscious about fire outbreaks.”
By Anthony Macauley (Intern)