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An electricity pole belonging to the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) reportedly caught fire along Krootown Road in Freetown on Friday morning, August 28, 2026, raising concerns among residents and motorists about the safety of the area’s electricity infrastructure.
Residents said the fire broke out in the morning and attempts were made to alert EDSA through its 672 toll-free line to request immediate intervention. However, they claimed that assistance did not arrive before the situation was brought under control by community youths.
The youths reportedly managed to extinguish the fire before it could spread or cause further damage. Personnel from the Sierra Leone Fire and Rescue Service subsequently arrived at the scene, according to residents, but only after the fire had already been put out.
No deaths or injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The incident has renewed concerns among residents about reported cases of sparks and fires involving electricity poles and cables in various parts of Freetown. They are calling for regular inspection and maintenance of the electricity distribution network to reduce the risk of electrical accidents and fires.
Residents have also raised concerns about the proximity of some houses and other structures to electricity infrastructure and road corridors. They say the construction of buildings within or close to road reserves and rights-of-way could increase risks where electricity poles and cables are located near homes and other structures.
The concerns also extend to sections of the electricity distribution network that residents believe may require replacement or upgrading because of ageing infrastructure and cables.
The Krootown Road incident has therefore renewed calls for regular maintenance of electricity infrastructure, faster emergency response, enforcement of construction regulations and increased public awareness of electrical safety across Freetown.
