STAND Mobilizes Support For Fire Service Agency -Pleads With Partners Amid Growing Fire Disaster

MONROVIA: Whether it is because of rising temperature due to climate change, or glitches in electric power connnectivity regime of the country, or because of neglect of the Liberia National Fire Service or a demonic onslought upon the nation, fire disasters have in recent months become frequent, leaving dozens of Liberians homeless, and worsening their already bad socioeconomic conditions. One of the most viable reasons for the calamity often cited by experts for the rampancy of fire incidents is the undercapitalization of the agency of governemnt responsble not only to fight fires but also to educate the public on how to prevent it and prepare for it when it breaks out. Thus, as Liberians wonder on how to deal with the situation, there are some who are particularly insisting on emboldening and capitalizing the Fire Service Agency to be able to step in consistent with its expertise and fiduciary duties. One group that feels very strongly about this is the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day or STAND, which has taken flight to foreign embassies and partners, coming on its kneels, pleading for urgent assistance, perhaps knowing full aware it would be folly to rely on government support that has never come since JJ Robert time. The Analyst reports.

The Liberian civil soceity group, the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), is pleading with a plethora of foreign embassies and organizations near Monrovia to help the Government and people of Liberia with urgent support to the Liberia National Fire Service as a way to tackling the growing waves of devastating fire incidents in the country.

In a release, STAND says it has launched an urgent appeal to strategic development partners for assistance in combating the escalating fire outbreaks on homes, communities, and institutions.

STAND is garnering support fo the fire service agency by dispatching letters to the US Embassy, the British Embassy, and the Delegation of the European Union, stressing in the letters the critical need for assistance to strengthen the capabilities of the Liberia National Fire Service.

In separate letters to international partners, STAND emphasized that the frequency of fire incidents in Liberia has reached alarming levels, resulting in tragic loss of lives and extensive property damage.

Highlighting this grim reality, Mr. Edwin Tisdell, the Deputy Director for Operations at the Liberia National Fire Service, outlined the challenges faced by the department, including insufficient equipment and limited financial support.

STAND used the release to urge the government to declare the fight against  fire outbreaks in the country a national emergency, emphasizing that these fire tragedies not only claim lives but also exacerbate socio-economic challenges, impacting small businesses, academic institutions, and religious establishments.

The organization also warned that unless the epidemic state of fire disasters in the country was met with a practical, solution-based approach, Liberia’s national security and democratic stability remains threatened.

In its plea for support, articulated in multiple communications to embassies near Monrovia, STAND requests fire trucks that are equipped with water tanks, hoses, and pumps, protective gear, breathing apparatuses, fire extinguishers, axes, tools, support vehicles for personnel transportation, and logistical support.

The organization also requested from the foreign partners additional training programs and workshops to enhance the firefighting skills of the Liberia National Fire Service.

Also requested by STAND for the agency are safety uniforms for firefighters to ensure their personal safety during emergency responses.

STAND has assured Liberia’s development partners of its highest regard, committing to advocate for the prioritization of essential services during government budget allocations.

The organization also emphasized its commitment to being a strong voice against impunity, urging the government of Liberia to adhere to good governance practices to combat public corruption and enhance accountability.