A devastating wildfire broke out at the Water Quay Timber Depot at 4 Mile, reducing over 450 containers of high-quality timber to ashes.

The incident has left investors, traders, and workers in shock and despair, as the timber industry is already struggling under a government-imposed ban.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky as flames engulfed the depot.

Despite the rapid response of the Sierra Leone Fire Force, which deployed five fire trucks, the blaze proved uncontrollable.

The loss of over 450 containers of timber comes at a critical time, with the industry still reeling from a two-year ban on timber production and trade.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire or provide an official explanation.