By Grace Q. Bryant
A fire investigation report by the Fire Rescue Alliance (FRA) has officially classified the December blaze at Liberia’s Capitol Building as incendiary, meaning it was deliberately set with the intent to cause destruction.
The FRA investigative team, consisting of retired U.S. fire chiefs Ken Prillaman, Jerry Streich, and Mark Lynde, ruled out accidental causes and confirmed that an ignitable liquid was used to accelerate the fire.
Their findings align with a police report that previously suggested arson.
The FRA report, submitted to the Liberia National Police (LNP), found that eight one-gallon containers containing flammable liquid were discovered at the scene—items that were not present during a legislative meeting held less than 24 hours before the fire.
The fire’s point of origin was identified near the Speaker’s podium, an area with a high concentration of combustible materials such as furniture, cloth bunting, foam chairs, and carpeting.
Investigators determined that the fire spread rapidly, with flames climbing vertically up a wood-paneled wall and across the west wall balcony before reaching the ceiling.
The FRA reported that the first windows to break were on the west side of the building, which allowed oxygen to intensify the flames.
Further analysis ruled out an electrical cause, as prior vandalism had already cut exterior electrical conductors, and no evidence of short-circuiting or electrical arcing was found.
Investigators also noted that the building’s air conditioning units were non-operational at the time, eliminating another potential ignition source.
The LNP has forwarded multiple individuals to court, with Monrovia City Court allowing the trial to proceed against defendants Thomas Etheridge and Eric Sasay, citing sufficient evidence for prosecution.
“The placement of the containers, particularly near exits, suggests an intentional effort to obstruct egress and increase the fire’s spread,” the report stated.
