By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
A multi-stakeholder engagement on the proposed Fire Safety Act has been convened by the National Fire Force, with strong backing from the Elba Foundation, bringing together Government institutions, private sector actors and Civil Society Organizations to shape a new legal framework aimed at improving fire prevention and emergency response in Sierra Leone. The engagement, held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Labour Congress Hall on Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown, marked a significant phase in the public popularization of the Fire Safety Bill, which seeks to modernize outdated regulations and strengthen national systems for protecting lives and property.
The proposed legislation introduces a comprehensive framework focused on prevention, preparedness and enforcement. Key provisions include the establishment of safety standards for buildings, mandatory certification for public facilities, enhanced inspection powers for authorities and stricter regulation of flammable materials. The bill also outlines penalties for negligence and unsafe practices while seeking to strengthen the operational capacity of the National Fire Force through improved infrastructure, equipment and personnel.
Chief Fire Officer, Nazir Kamanda Bongay, described the engagement as a historic step, noting that it represents the first time the bill is being taken to the public for broad consultation. He emphasized that the initiative is driven by the urgent need to address increasing fire risks associated with unsafe electrical systems, poor construction standards and the storage of flammable substances in residential settings. He warned that without stronger preventive systems, the country remains vulnerable to large-scale fire disasters.
Central to the engagement is the role of the Elba Foundation, which funded and supported the initiative as part of its broader mission to build safer and more resilient communities. Chief Executive Officer, Edleen Elba, described the proposed Fire Safety Act as a critical national intervention rather than a routine legislative process, stating that it reflects a broader conversation about responsibility, safety and the value of human life. She noted that the Foundation’s involvement is grounded in its commitment to civic engagement and systems strengthening, highlighting fire safety as essential to safeguarding families, businesses and national development.
Edleen Elba further underscored that fire incidents have far-reaching consequences beyond the destruction of property, often disrupting education, livelihoods and community stability. Drawing from personal experiences with fire emergencies, she stressed the urgent need for stronger systems and increased public awareness. She also highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters, noting that many operate under difficult conditions with limited resources, yet continue to demonstrate commitment and courage in protecting lives.
She called for collective responsibility, urging Government to accelerate the passage of the bill, the private sector to treat fire safety as a necessary investment and citizens to adopt safer practices in their daily activities. She emphasized that fire prevention must become a shared national priority rather than the sole responsibility of the state.
Representing the Office of National Security, Gladys Sandy, reiterated that fire safety is a national concern with long-term implications for lives, infrastructure and development. She noted that the proposed law would help transform the National Fire Force from a reactive emergency service into a more preventive institution focused on risk reduction.
Also speaking at the engagement, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Edwards Ngaujah, emphasized that the bill is both timely and necessary, citing the increasing frequency and impact of fire outbreaks across homes, markets, schools and public institutions. He stated that the legislation would strengthen enforcement mechanisms, clarify responsibilities among property owners and institutions and improve national preparedness.
Edwards Ngaujah further noted that the bill seeks to expand fire service infrastructure, including the construction of additional fire stations and the recruitment of more personnel. He stressed that effective implementation will depend on public understanding and participation, urging citizens to actively engage with the bill and support its passage.
The engagement forms part of a broader national effort to build a proactive fire safety culture anchored on prevention, awareness and institutional strengthening. Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that sustained collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society will be essential to achieving the objectives of the proposed law. The event concluded with a renewed call for unity and coordinated action to ensure the passage and implementation of the Fire Safety Act, positioning it as a critical step toward safeguarding lives, protecting property and strengthening national resilience.
