The Director General of the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), Hon. G. Wasuwah Barvoul, Sr., is appealing to the Government of Liberia for a significant increase in the institution’s allocation in the 2026 national budget. According to him, the increment is crucial to strengthening the capacity of the LNFS, constructing a modern headquarters, and building fire stations across the country to ensure the safety and protection of Liberian citizens. Speaking in an exclusive interview with reporters on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Monrovia, Hon. Barvoul revealed that the LNFS is advancing a proposed budget of US$20,407,000.00 to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP).
If approved, the funds will be earmarked for the construction of a state-of-the-art headquarters on Ashmun Street in Monrovia and the construction and equipping of twenty-one fire stations nationwide. Director General Barvoul explained that the LNFS currently operates from a rented facility, which places a significant financial burden on government resources. “Here, we are renting. It is very costly to government to rent,” he stressed. “The construction of a permanent headquarters will not only save money in the long term but also provide the institution with the facilities required to carry out its mandate more effectively.”
The LNFS Boss further noted that the proposed budget will cover the construction of 21 new fire stations across Liberia as well as the renovation and equipping of six existing stations, with fire service personnel to be deployed in each. He underscored that the expansion of fire stations is critical, given the growing demand for fire prevention, rapid response, and disaster management in both urban and rural communities.
Beyond infrastructure, Hon. Barvoul disclosed that the proposed allocation will also make provision for logistics, internal and external training programs, salary increments for service men and women, and enhanced fire prevention awareness campaigns. He emphasized that investing in the LNFS is investing in public safety, disaster reduction, and the protection of lives and property.
At the same time, the LNFS Director General highlighted recent gains in the area of international partnerships. He revealed that he has secured several firefighting equipment donations from the International Training Group (ITG) as a result of his participation in the International Association of Firefighters Conference (IAFC) held in Orlando, Florida, USA. Items donated by ITG include 60 feet of fire attack and supply hoses, 70 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 60 pairs of boots, 13 automated external defibrillators, fire helmets, EMS medical shock suits, and other essential firefighting tools. Hon. Barvoul hailed these donations as timely, noting that they will boost the capacity of frontline fire officers.
He also disclosed that the ITG has pledged to visit Liberia later this year to conduct advanced training for LNFS service men and women. Meanwhile, the LNFS has begun the distribution of newly acquired resources to its personnel. According to the Director General, employees are receiving two sets of new fire service uniforms and two pairs of shoes each, while firefighting motorbikes are being distributed to departments and county branches to strengthen mobility and response time.
Director General Barvoul reiterated his commitment to transforming the LNFS into a well-equipped, modern institution capable of delivering world-class fire prevention and emergency response services. He appealed to both the Legislature and the Executive Branch to prioritize the LNFS in the 2026 National Budget,
