By Grace Q. Bryant
The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) has classified Wednesday’s fire at the Capitol Building, the seat of the Legislature, as a Class ‘B’ fire, indicating the presence of flammable or explosive liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, or petroleum greases.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, at Ministry of Information, LNFS Chief, Colonel Warsuwah Barvoul disclosed that initial investigations revealed evidence of thick smoke and chemical residue consistent with flammable substances.
“This fire caused significant destruction, and our findings so far point to the use of highly combustible materials,” Barvoul said.
According to him, the LNFS is collaborating with multiple agencies, including the Liberia National Police, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Data Management Agency, to determine the cause of the fire.
“We are working as a unified team, conducting ground investigations to piece together what led to this incident. We anticipate sharing detailed findings within a week,” said Barvoul.
Barvoul explained that Liberia’s Chief Fire Officers Association mobilized resources from various fire departments to combat the blaze. Despite their efforts, the damage to the Capitol Building is extensive, with significant structural and material losses.
Barvoul also highlighted the resilience of the firefighters, noting that some team members sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care.
Class ‘B’ fires, characterized by their rapid spread and intense heat, are particularly dangerous because they involve materials with low ignition points, Barboul adding that the preliminary findings suggest that improper handling or deliberate misuse of such materials may have triggered the fire.
Barvoul explained, “Class B fires can result from accidents, negligence, or intentional acts. As we continue our investigation, we urge the public to avoid speculation and allow the process to unfold.”
Barvoul expressed gratitude to the Liberian government for increased funding to improve the country’s firefighting capacity.
He announced plans to procure modern firefighting equipment, including advanced fire engines, refillable water tanks, and protective gear.
“Our vision is to build a model fire service with state-of-the-art facilities across the country, particularly in rural counties like Bong and Nimba, where resources are limited,” he said.
Barvoul stated, “The dream is to build a model firefighting service that ensures every region has access to rapid and effective response capabilities,”
He called on lawmakers to support long-term plans to improve fire response capacity, train personnel, and equip teams with the necessary tools.
The LNFS chief called on citizens to prioritize fire safety, citing common causes such as faulty electrical systems, unsafe storage of flammables, and general negligence.
“Fire prevention begins with awareness. We urge households to inspect electrical wiring, safely store flammable materials, and practice caution to avoid accidents,” Barvoul emphasized.
The LNFS noted that public education on fire safety remains critical to preventing such incidents. Colonel Barvoul highlighted common causes of fire outbreaks, including faulty wiring, improper handling of flammable materials, and carelessness.
He urged citizens to regularly inspect electrical systems, safely store flammable substances, and adhere to fire safety protocols.
“Prevention is key. Fire outbreaks often result from human error, ignorance, or negligence. Raising awareness and fostering caution in every home and business will help us avoid tragedies like this,” Barvoul said.
The LNFS chief also acknowledged that the country faces persistent challenges with fire prevention and response due to outdated infrastructure and limited resources. However, he expressed optimism about the government’s recent budget allocations for modern firefighting equipment, including six fire engines and advanced tools, expected to enhance future emergency responses.
