By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

A devastating fire outbreak at Race Course Road, Up Gun, on Sunday night has left business owners counting heavy losses, with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) estimating damages at NLe 6,480,000. The blaze, which erupted on the 10th March 2025 engulfed 26 spare parts shops and four vehicles, causing significant destruction and disrupting livelihoods in the bustling commercial hub.

The NDMA, in collaboration with the National Fire Force (NFF), responded swiftly to contain the inferno and conduct a preliminary damage assessment. Senior Relief and Response Officer Ronald Turay indicated that initial investigations suggest possible sabotage, prompting authorities to launch a thorough inquiry into the cause of the fire.

While there were no reported fatalities, the financial impact has been substantial. A prominent motor spare parts dealership, in operation for over a decade, suffered estimated losses of NLe 6,105,000 in inventory and cash, while the four destroyed vehicles were valued at NLe 375,000.

NDMA’s Director of Relief and Response, Sinneh Mansaray, extended sympathies to the affected business owners, assuring them of continued support. He emphasized the need for fire safety awareness and urged both residents and business owners to adopt preventative measures to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.

With 55 fire incidents reported nationwide since the start of 2025 16 of which occurred in the Western Area alone the NDMA is calling on humanitarian organizations, government agencies, and the public to aid in recovery efforts. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to effective disaster response and long-term fire prevention strategies to safeguard communities and businesses from future disasters.