By George C. Flomo
MONROVIA – Liberia’s chief fire administrator, G. Warsuwah Barvoul Sr., has sounded a national alarm over what he described as a “dangerous and heartbreaking spike” in fire outbreaks across the country, warning that the growing number of fatalities demands urgent public vigilance and stronger community cooperation.
Addressing the regular Tuesday press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs & Tourism (MICAT), the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) Director disclosed that at least 21 people have died in fire incidents since January, marking one of the deadliest years in recent memory.
Barvoul said the LNFS has responded to significantly more fire emergencies this year than during the same period in 2024, stressing that the increase has stretched the institution’s manpower and equipment to the limit.
“These deaths are not just statistics—they are families shattered, dreams cut short, and communities left in pain,” he told reporters. “It must be a wake-up call for all of us.”
For years, he noted, the Fire Service has operated under severe logistical constraints—including worn-out equipment, limited fire trucks, and shortages of personal protective gear for firefighters.
However, Director Barvoul reported that the Government of Liberia has begun taking concrete steps to remedy the situation. “Since the start of this year, we have received essential tools, equipment, and logistical support,” he said, adding that while these improvements are encouraging, they are still not enough to meet the scale of emergencies the country faces.
One of the most striking revelations from the briefing was the persistent hostility and verbal attacks firefighters encounter while responding to incidents. Barvoul expressed disappointment at the growing trend of citizens insulting or obstructing fire crews, describing the behavior as both demoralizing and dangerous.
“Our firefighters risk their lives to protect others,” he said. “They deserve cooperation, not verbal abuse. When the public interferes or becomes hostile, it delays the rescue effort and puts more lives at risk.”
He urged communities to help first responders by clearing access routes, respecting emergency protocols, and allowing firefighters to do their work without intimidation.
While the LNFS works to improve its response capabilities, Barvoul emphasized that reducing fire incidents must begin at the household and community levels. He encouraged Liberians to adhere to basic safety practices such as: avoiding illegal electrical connections, monitoring children around fire-prone areas, checking cooking stoves and gas cylinders, and ensuring that public buildings have proper escape routes.
“Fire safety begins with each individual,” he said. “We must treat prevention as a shared responsibility if we truly want to reduce these tragedies.”
Barvoul concluded by appealing to citizens, businesses, schools, and community leaders to join the LNFS in confronting the rising fire crisis.
“With respect, vigilance, and teamwork, we can save lives and protect property,” he said. “Fire prevention is not the duty of the Fire Service alone—it is a national duty.”