“Fire Situation Has Reached Crisis Point in Liberia, Gov’t Must Act Now” —CENTAL Boss Cries Out

The increasing frequency and severity of fire outbreaks across Liberia have reached a dangerous and unacceptable level, signaling a national crisis that demands urgent and coordinated action from the Government of Liberia, community leaders, civil society organizations, and all relevant stakeholders. 
Recent tragic events have once again exposed the glaring weaknesses in Liberia’s fire prevention and response systems, underscoring the urgent need for more strategic investments, stronger institutions, and national commitment. Across the country, the Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service (LNFRS) has long been viewed mainly as an emergency response arm of government. 

But according to fire experts and governance advocates, the Agency’s mandate extends far beyond responding to burning buildings. It includes conducting research, leading preventive education, investigating fire incidents, monitoring compliance with safety regulations, enforcing standards, and raising public awareness. Yet, the LNFRS remains deeply constrained by chronic underfunding, weak logistics, and insufficient manpower. As a result, it is unable to effectively carry out crucial preventive and investigative functions that could reduce fire outbreaks and save lives. 

“Sadly, in Liberia, we have reduced the work of the Fire Service Agency to responding to emergencies, which is even difficult to achieve due to low budgetary support, limited logistics, and the inaccessibility of many of our communities and homes,” a recent statement observed. “We need to put our monies where they truly belong.” Echoing this plea, Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), stressed the urgent need for increased government support. “With all of the fire disasters around town, I don't expect anything less than adequate support to the Fire Service Agency in the 2026 national budget,” said Miamen. “We can't keep playing with the lives and properties of people, many of whom worked their entire lives to construct homes that get destroyed within minutes. 

This is really sad and unimaginable.” Miamen referenced the heartbreaking tragedy that occurred on Duport Road, where five family members perished in a single late-night fire. “They went to bed with plans for the next day; it did not even reach 12 AM when they all died, mournfully. That is a wound that will take years to heal if ever,” he lamented. Within 24 hours, another fire devastated the headquarters of Lone Star Cell MTN, further highlighting a troubling pattern of escalating fire disasters nationwide. These recurring tragedies raise the frightening question: Who will be next? Citizens, businesses, and even major government buildings remain vulnerable. 

The country is still reconstructing the Executive Mansion decades after it was destroyed by fire an example of how devastating and costly these incidents can be. Stakeholders are now calling for the Government of Liberia to declare the situation a national emergency requiring immediate intervention. They argue for predictable and sustainable funding sources dedicated to both emergency response and preventive measures, including research, public awareness, safety training, capacity building, and enforcement of building and fire safety regulations. 

While fire outbreaks occur in all countries, experts warn that Liberia’s rate may be among the highest in the region due to poor planning, weak enforcement of standards, and long-term neglect of the Fire Service Agency. “If we can’t act now, I don’t know when we will,” the statement emphasized. Advocates are therefore urging government to cut wasteful spending and invest in institutions that safeguard the lives and properties of citizens. “Increase budgetary support to institutions that matter to public safety and national security,” they concluded. As fires continue to claim lives and destroy homes and businesses, the call for decisive action has never been louder. Liberia must act urgently to prevent further tragedies and build a more resilient and protected society. 

The Office of Representative Michael Thomas of Montserrado County District #4 has strongly condemned allegations made by social media influencer “Prophet Key,” describing them as false, reckless, and deeply insensitive. The claims wrongfully linked the lawmaker to the tragic death of Shara Community Chairlady Deiode Davies Garnett and four of her family members. In a recent social media post, “Prophet Key” alleged that unnamed family sources accused Representative Thomas of having a hand in the incident, suggesting that Madam Garnett was his political rival. 

The Office of Representative Thomas immediately rejected the allegations, calling them “outlandish and deliberately inflammatory.” The lawmaker’s office stressed that such accusations, made at a time when the community is grieving, are irresponsible and appear intended to mislead the public. “In moments of sorrow, it is unacceptable for anyone to exploit tragedy for political gain,” the statement said. “We question the motives behind such an accusation when a family is in deep mourning.” The Office reaffirmed Representative Thomas’s commitment to peace, community development, and responsible leadership, while expressing heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family and community. 

It further announced that legal options are being explored to address what it termed “egregious and defamatory claims,” warning that those who spread falsehoods will be held fully accountable. A devastating fire late Friday night, around 11:00 p.m., tore through the Shara Community on Duport Road, leaving residents in shock and mourning. Multiple lives are feared lost, including that of the community’s Chairlady, Mrs. Deiode Davies Garnett. Eyewitnesses recounted that the blaze erupted suddenly at a home believed to be occupied by Chairlady Garnett. 

Residents and Liberia Fire Service personnel battled the flames, but the fire spread too quickly, trapping several people inside. At least three victims were found unresponsive, though authorities have not yet officially confirmed identities. Early reports say one body was recovered, pending investigation. The Liberia National Fire Service and the Liberia National Police have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the disaster. Grief-stricken families and neighbors gathered at the scene early Saturday, many overwhelmed by emotion as they confronted the tragedy.