Serious Fire Incident at Freetown Innovation Lab Destroys Properties, Halts Operations
Kadijatu Barrie In the early hours of Thursday, February 6, 2025, a fire broke out at the Freetown Innovation Lab, located at Kortright, Fourah Bay College.
The incident was reportedly caused by a cigarette butt that ignited a blaze after being discarded near a pile of tires by a passerby.
Thanks to the swift response of the Sierra Leone Fire Force, the fire was quickly contained, preventing further damage. However, operations at the lab have been put on hold.
The team is now working tirelessly to secure resources and resume activities, with only a limited number of products salvaged from the incident. They are actively seeking partnerships and public support to aid in their recovery.
The Freetown Innovation Lab plays a crucial role in tackling plastic pollution, transforming waste into valuable products.
Their initiatives include turning discarded tires into elegant furniture and converting plastic waste into construction blocks. Additionally, the lab provides training for young people, equipping them with skills to repurpose plastic waste into useful items.
As the community rallies around the lab, there is optimism for a swift recovery and a continuation of their vital work in sustainability and innovation.