-Kicks Off Nationwide County Tour
By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) has officially launched a comprehensive nationwide fire safety awareness tour across all 15 counties, aimed at sensitizing citizens on fire prevention, emergency response, and best practices in domestic and commercial fire safety.
The campaign, themed “Safety First: Prevent Fire, Save Lives”, was flagged off over the weekend at the LNFS Headquarters in Monrovia by Fire Service Director Barvous, in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and key disaster management stakeholders.
According to Director Barvous, the initiative is a proactive response to the alarming rise in fire incidents across the country, many of which have resulted in loss of life, and destruction of homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. “We are taking fire safety education to the people—marketplaces, schools, religious institutions, and communities—because prevention is the most powerful firefighting tool,” he said during the launch.
The tour will include: Demonstrations on fire extinguisher use, Community workshops on electrical safety and cooking hazards, Distribution of fire safety materials in local languages, Training of community fire volunteers, and Engagement With Local Authorities.
As part of the campaign, LNFS teams will engage superintendents, mayors, traditional leaders, and local county administrations to establish grassroots fire prevention networks. The Fire Service has emphasized the need for decentralized response units and community vigilance.
In an interview with The Superintendent for Lofa county VoinJam applauded the initiative and called for joint county-level budgeting for fire prevention and disaster readiness. “We can no longer rely on a centralized firefighting system. Counties must build capacity to respond swiftly to emergencies,” she noted.
The urgency of the tour comes in the wake of several tragic incidents. An electrical fire in Gbarnga, Bong County, Montsrrado County destroyed shops and a residence. Rural communities in Grand Gedeh and Rivercess have reported delayed or non-existent fire responses. These events have raised questions about the availability of firefighting equipment and personnel outside of Monrovia.
The tour is also supported by the Liberian government which has contributed logistical support, educational kits, and fire extinguishers for high-risk communities. Fire safety ambassadors, including popular musicians and radio personalities, have also joined the outreach to help amplify the message.
The LNFS has scheduled the next stops in Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, and Margibi Counties, with activities set to include town hall meetings, school visits, and media engagements. Citizens are encouraged to report unsafe electrical wiring, store flammable materials responsibly, and collaborate with local fire wardens. “Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility,” Director Barvous concluded. “Together, we can build a safer Liberia.”
