A fire broke out on Saturday at Sierra Leone’s State House in central Freetown, prompting swift emergency response efforts.
According to eyewitnesses and a government statement, the blaze affected the upper floors of the presidential building, though President Julius Maada Bio was not present at the time.
The Ministry of Information confirmed that the fire started around 4:00 p.m. local time and was confined to the third and fourth floors. The president’s office, located on the second floor, was reportedly not affected by the flames.
“Emergency teams are working diligently to ensure it remains protected,” the ministry stated, adding that the cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Footage circulating on social media showed flames bursting through upper windows of the iconic white structure, accompanied by thick plumes of black smoke.
Residents nearby were alarmed by the scene.
“We saw smoke and fire billowing from the windows and the top floor of the building this evening,” said Mohamed Kamara, a local resident.
Police quickly cordoned off the surrounding streets, while soldiers and security forces were deployed to secure the area and assist with the emergency response.
President Bio is currently in Turkey, where he is attending an international conference, government sources confirmed.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to follow once the situation is fully under control.