-After Fire Incident
By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Monrovia – An official investigation into a fire at the Monrovia residence of former President George M. Weah has been stalled after Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) investigators were reportedly denied entry to the property, the agency reported Thursday.
The fire, which damaged Weah’s first-floor bedroom, is one of several recent outbreaks, including a blaze at the home of National Security Agency Director Prince C. Johnson and a fatal fire in Paynesville that claimed three lives.
According to the LNFS, the incident at Weah’s 9th Street residence occurred shortly after midnight on Wednesday, September 24. Firefighters from Station One responded swiftly, containing the blaze and fully extinguishing it by 1:20 a.m. Initial reports from the scene suggested a possible electrical fault due to fluctuating power.
However, the investigation hit a significant obstacle later that morning. When LNFS investigators returned to conduct a standard forensic examination, they were refused access to the property. The agency stated it was told its team would be contacted when necessary, but as of Thursday, no further communication had been received.
The incident at Weah’s home follows another high-profile fire early Sunday, September 21, at the Paynesville residence of NSA Director Prince C. Johnson. That blaze, which required responses from Fire Engines 4 and 5, also remains under investigation.
In a separate and tragic incident on the same night as the Weah fire, three people died in a fire outbreak on Rehab Road, Jacob Town.
The LNFS expressed deep concern over the recent surge in fires and the obstruction at the Weah residence. In a press release, the service urgently called for public cooperation, stressing that unfettered access for its investigators is vital to establishing accurate causes, improving safety protocols, and preventing future tragedies. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property but emphasized that its work depends on collaboration from all citizens and institutions.
