Property Damage Put At More Than US$726,000

By Our Reporter

The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) has reported significant property losses and human casualties from fire outbreaks recorded during the first five months of the year, 2026, with hundreds of people, including children, women and men, affected by the incidents across the country.‎

‎This was disclosed in Monrovia recently by the Director of the Liberia National Fire Service (LNSF), Warsuwah Barvoul, Sr. during the Information Ministry’s regular press conference.

He disclosed that fire incidents recorded in January resulted in estimated property losses of more than US$726,000.

The LNSF boss said more than one hundred children were among those affected, while several homes were destroyed, leaving hundreds of residents displaced.

‎According to Barvoul, property losses increased significantly in February, reaching more than US$4.2 million. He said the fire outbreaks affected 112 children, 105 women and 97 men, bringing the total number of people affected during the month to more than 300.‎

‎The Fire Service boss further disclosed that several fire incidents were recorded in March, April and May, resulting in additional property losses and affecting dozens of residents. He said the incidents continue to pose a serious threat to communities and families across Liberia.‎

‎He also addressed the tragic fire incident in Shara Community along the Duport Road, which claimed the lives of the community’s chairlady, Mrs. Deiode Davies Garnett, and members of her family. He clarified that the Fire Service’s investigation found no foul play in connection with the incident and said the investigation report has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice.

‎‎Meanwhile, Barvoul identified false fire alarms as one of the major challenges confronting the Liberia National Fire Service. He explained that false reports force the agency to deploy personnel, equipment and fuel unnecessarily, only for firefighters to arrive at locations where no actual fire exists.

‎He appealed to the public to report fire incidents promptly and responsibly and urged communities and the media to verify information before spreading reports concerning fire outbreaks or the work of the Fire Service.

Barvoul stressed that timely and accurate information can help firefighters respond quickly and effectively, ultimately saving lives and properly.