By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONTSERRADO COUNTY – The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), in collaboration with the Center for Public and Private Development, has launched the second phase of a community fire safety campaign. The two-day initiative targets fire-prone areas across Montserrado County to reduce the increasing number of fire outbreaks.
The campaign, which ran from November 21-22, 2025, was prompted by a significant rise in fire incidents over the past five months, from July to November. Teams visited communities including Nicklay Town, Jacob Town, Barnsville Estate, Johnsonville Township, and Dry Markets, concluding with a major event at the Police Academy football field.
LNFS Director, Mr. G. Warsuwah Barvoual, urged citizens to take the awareness campaign seriously for their own safety. He explained that fire emergencies unfold in three critical stages: before, during, and after the incident, and emphasized the importance of alerting the LNFS immediately at the first sign of fire.
“Fire spreads rapidly through air currents and the close proximity of buildings,” Director Barvoual stated. “Citizens must understand how to handle common Class A fires, which are often caused by candles, mosquito coils, and cooking fires within homes.”
He noted that while candles were once a leading cause of household fires, faulty electrical wiring is now a primary concern.
Citing a 2025 climate change report, Director Barvoual warned Liberians to expect intense heat and a harsh dry season, requiring heightened precautions to prevent fires nationwide.
demonstrated the proper use of fire extinguishers for residents. Director Barvoual outlined the different classes of fires and how to combat them:
Class A: Involves ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, candles, and mosquito coils. These can often be extinguished with water.
Class B: Involves flammable liquids like gasoline. Water should not be used, as it can spread the fire.
Class C: Involves electrical equipment. Using water is extremely dangerous and can lead to electrocution.
“For an electrical fire, the LNFS is not allowed to use water until the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has cut the power by bringing down the breaker,” Barvoual explained.
The LNFS Director also announced that the service is engaging private electrical contractors to promote proper wiring standards, specifically recommending the use of AWG-rated wires for household electrical systems. He advised citizens to avoid cheaper, substandard wires to prevent electrical fires.
In a strong appeal to the public, Director Barvoual addressed the serious misuse of the LNFS emergency hotline, 114. “The 114 hotline was established for fire emergencies to protect citizens,” he said. “However, many individuals are misusing this critical line with insulting and non-emergency calls, which could delay our response to actual life-threatening situations.”
He concluded by reminding the public that the LNFS conducts investigations into all fires to assist victims, including helping them access benefits from partners like the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and the Red Cross.
