118
Fire Brigade · Benin
118 is the Benin Fire Brigade emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Government of Benin. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 118 — Fire Brigade in Benin
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Benin
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 118
- • Do not call 117 for administrative matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 112 for non-urgent medical consultations - visit a health center
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Beninese law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for electricity outages - contact SBEE
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or traffic information
✈️ Travel Notes — Benin
Emergency response is most reliable in Cotonou and Porto-Novo. Outside major cities, response times may be significantly delayed. SAMU ambulance service operates in urban areas. Private clinics in Cotonou offer better emergency care than public facilities. Medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
🛡️ Traveling to Benin? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
Best for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travel. Flexible monthly subscription.
Best for standard holidays, adventure sports, hiking, and activity-filled trips.
ℹ️ We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
What is 118 in Benin?
118 is the official Fire and Rescue Service emergency number in Benin. This number is operated by Government of Benin and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Fire emergency number 118. Operated by the Groupement National des Sapeurs-Pompiers. Stations in major cities.
When to Call 118
Call 118 immediately in situations involving fire brigade-related emergencies in Benin. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 118 in Benin
Here are the key technical facts about calling 118 in Benin:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: A SIM card is typically required. Try 112 if you have no SIM.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Government of Benin
How to Call 118 from Abroad
If you are calling 118 from outside Benin, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +229 followed by 118 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Benin, simply dialing 118 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Fire and Rescue Service. The universal number 112 is also active across Benin and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Benin
Besides 118 (Fire and Rescue Service), Benin has the following emergency services available: National Police (Police Républicaine): 117 · Emergency Medical Service (SAMU): 112 · Fire and Rescue Service: 118. Save all these numbers before traveling to Benin.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 118 is listed as the Fire and Rescue Service emergency line for Benin based on data from Government of Benin. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 118 (Benin)
What is 118 in Benin? ▼
118 is the Fire and Rescue Service emergency number in Benin. Fire emergency number 118. Operated by the Groupement National des Sapeurs-Pompiers. Stations in major cities.
Can I call 118 without a SIM card in Benin? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 118 free in Benin? ▼
Yes, calling 118 is completely free in Benin. No airtime credit needed.
Does 118 work from mobile in Benin? ▼
Yes, 118 works from all mobile phones in Benin.
Who do I reach when I call 118 in Benin? ▼
Calling 118 in Benin connects you to Fire and Rescue Service (Government of Benin), available 24/7.
What is the source for 118 being the Fire Brigade number in Benin? ▼
Verified from Government of Benin: https://sante.gouv.bj/. Last verified: 2026-01.
Can I call 112 from a mobile phone without credit in Benin? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 112, 117, and 118 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Are emergency operators able to speak English in Benin? ▼
French is the primary language for emergency services. English-speaking capability is not confirmed. Travelers should communicate in French.
What emergency services are available outside Cotonou? ▼
Police posts exist in all departments, but emergency response is slower. Ambulance services are concentrated in Cotonou and Porto-Novo. Fire stations exist in major towns only.