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A house was completely destroyed by fire along Mayoni Road in Port Loko City, raising fresh concerns among residents about the absence of a functional fire service in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Concerned Youth of Port Loko, the fire outbreak occurred recently but could not be contained quickly because there was no standby fire fighting team within the city to respond to the emergency.
“We wish to draw the urgent attention of the central government to a recent fire outbreak that occurred along Mayoni Road in Port Loko City,” the youth said in the statement.
They explained that the lack of a nearby fire force unit meant there was no immediate professional response to manage the situation when the fire started. As a result, the house involved in the incident was “completely burnt to ashes before any effective intervention could take place.”
The youth group also noted that the actual cause of the fire is yet to be determined, stating that it will be communicated after the conclusion of an ongoing investigation into the incident.
In their appeal, the group called on the government to urgently establish and activate a Fire Force unit in Port Loko City, describing the situation as a serious safety concern for residents.
“In light of this unfortunate incident, we the concerned youth of Port Loko respectfully plead with the government to kindly fast-track the establishment and activation of a Fire Force unit in Port Loko City,” the statement read.
They emphasized that Port Loko is a rapidly growing and populous city, making it risky for such a large community to live without a standby fire fighting team capable of responding quickly to emergencies.
The group said they strongly believe that the presence of a local fire service would significantly reduce the risk of devastating losses during fire outbreaks and other emergencies.
In addition to their appeal, the youth also expressed their readiness to support efforts aimed at improving emergency response in the city. They indicated that many young people are willing to volunteer and undergo training in fire fighting techniques if the government facilitates the necessary training, equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).
“Many of us are ready to volunteer and undergo proper training in fire fighting techniques, provided that the government can facilitate the necessary training, equipment, and Personal Protective Equipment,” the statement said.
They added that with proper supervision and the right support from authorities, a trained volunteer team could play a significant role in strengthening emergency response and improving community safety in Port Loko.
The group concluded by urging authorities to treat the matter with urgency and prioritize the safety of residents in the city. “We therefore humbly appeal to the authorities to treat this matter with urgency and prioritize the safety of the people of Port Loko,” the statement concluded.
