By Jamesetta D. Williams
MONROVIA–The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) recorded 195 fire incidents between January and July 2026, resulting in three deaths and the destruction of property estimated at approximately US$2.1 million.
The disclosure was made by LNFS Director General, Col. G. Warsuwah Barvoul Sr., during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
According to Col. Barvoul, investigations into the reported fire incidents established that a significant number of the outbreaks were caused by faulty electrical connections and the use of substandard electrical wires.
He warned that the continued use of unsafe electrical materials remains a major threat to lives and property, urging residents to exercise greater caution when installing and using electrical systems.
The LNFS Director General said the fires recorded during the period also had a devastating impact on families, leaving approximately 1,043 people homeless.
The affected population, according to the Fire Service, included 432 children, 364 females, and 247 males.
Col. Barvoul said Montserrado County accounted for the majority of the reported fire incidents, partly due to the concentration of communities and population in the county.
He, however, noted that the Fire Service continues to face challenges responding to emergencies in some communities because of poor road access.
According to him, several communities, particularly in Montserrado County, lack adequate access roads, making it difficult for fire trucks to reach affected areas quickly after emergency calls are received.
He said delays in emergency response can increase the extent of damage caused by fires, particularly in densely populated communities.
Col. Barvoul also expressed concern over what he described as persistent false fire alarms made by some individuals.
He said some people call the Fire Service, report nonexistent fires, and request the dispatch of fire trucks, forcing the department to mobilize personnel and equipment unnecessarily.
Because of the increasing incidents of false alarms, he said the Fire Service has introduced an authentication process before fire trucks are dispatched to certain reported emergencies.
The LNFS Director General cautioned the public against making false reports, stressing that mobilizing firefighters and deploying fire trucks requires significant resources.
He warned that false alarms could also divert emergency resources from genuine fire incidents where lives and property may be at immediate risk.
Meanwhile, Col. Barvoul disclosed that the government has approved a five-year strategic plan aimed at decentralizing the Liberia National Fire Service and improving its ability to respond to emergencies across the country.
He said the strategic plan is being implemented under the government’s development agenda and is intended to bring fire emergency services closer to communities outside Montserrado County.
As part of the decentralization effort, fire trucks have already been stationed in Kakata, Gbarnga, Sanniquellie, and Buchanan, while Montserrado County currently has five fire stations equipped with fire trucks.
The LNFS believes that expanding its presence across the country will reduce response times and improve the protection of lives and property during fire emergencies.
Col. Barvoul said the Fire Service remains committed to strengthening its operational capacity, improving emergency response, and working with communities to prevent avoidable fire outbreaks.
The latest figures have renewed concerns about fire safety in Liberia, particularly the dangers associated with faulty electrical connections, substandard wiring, poor road access, and the misuse of emergency services.
The Fire Service is therefore urging residents to take fire prevention seriously and cooperate with authorities to reduce the growing threat posed by fire incidents across the country.
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