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A devastating overnight fire has reportedly destroyed the buildings of Siena Patso Primary and Secondary School at Fudia Terrace, Spur Loop in Freetown, leaving more than 500 pupils without classrooms and forcing an indefinite halt to academic activities at the well-known community school.
The blaze, which occurred during the critical national examination period, has thrown students preparing for the National Primary School Examination (NPSE), Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) into uncertainty, as authorities work to assess the full impact of the disaster.
According to preliminary assessments conducted after the fire, the damage to the school compound is extensive. Sections of the roofing have collapsed, structural walls are severely scorched, and furniture and teaching materials have been completely destroyed.
School authorities have instructed all students to remain at home until further notice while officials evaluate the damage and consider next steps.
On-site observations the morning after the incident showed families, teachers, and community members gathered around the burnt remains of the school building. Exercise books, desks, and other classroom materials were found reduced to ash as parents and staff surveyed the destruction.
Parents expressed deep concern about the immediate academic future of the affected students, particularly those scheduled to sit for national examinations in the coming weeks. Several parents questioned the status of examination registrations and whether alternative testing centers would be arranged in time for candidates preparing for the high-stakes assessments.
The fire has also prompted calls from educational stakeholders and humanitarian organisations for an urgent response to support the displaced students. Proposals being discussed include the temporary use of community centres church halls, and modular learning tents to allow classes to resume while longer-term solutions are developed.
Community leaders in the area say swift intervention will be necessary to prevent major disruptions to the education of the current cohort of pupils. They are urging government authorities and examination bodies to quickly establish contingency arrangements for examination candidates while plans for rebuilding the school are considered.
Although no casualties have been officially reported, the destruction of the facility represents a major loss for the Fudia Terrace community. Local leaders say coordinated support from government agencies, education authorities, and humanitarian partners will be essential both to accommodate displaced students and to facilitate the eventual reconstruction of the school.
