BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR
NIMBA COUNTY — The Liberia National Fire Service in Nimba County has been given a significant boost to its emergency preparedness and response.
In a heartfelt effort to address the urgent need for modernization in firefighting, Mr. Tomah Seh Floyd, Sr., the Chief Executive of Jungle Energy Power, donated a firetruck through the Office of the County’s Superintendent, Kou Meapeh Gono. The Chief Executive of JEP and the Jungle Water Group of Investment donated the firetruck to Nimba County for use by the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS).
Making the presentation Thursday in Sanniquellie, Mr. Floyd assured the people of Nimba and LNFS his readiness to work and embark on a mission to rally support in addressing the crucial capacity gaps at the National Fire Service. Held at the LNFS head office, the turnover ceremony was attended by Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono and the County Administration of Nimba, Fire Service Director General, Warsuwah Borvour, men and women of LNFS, and the media.
In the brief ceremony, the prominent son of Nimba and a senior business tycoon highlighted the critical deficiencies faced by the Liberia National Fire Service, citing a lack of modern fire trucks and logistical support. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, and he conveyed the immediate requirement for support to bolster the capabilities of Liberia’s firefighting forces, assuring his commitment to support the cause.
In brief remarks, the Liberia National Fire Service Director General, Warsuwah Borvour, thanked Mr. Tomah for what he called his ‘kindness and show of solidarity’ to the Fire Service. Mr. Borvour has, however, appealed to Mr. Floyd Tomah to do all he can to assist the Fire Service to enable it to combat growing fire disasters in Nimba County and parts of Liberia.
In remarks, Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono underlined the challenges faced by the Liberia National Fire Service, attributing its ineffectiveness to issues of limited support and firefighting vehicles. She revealed that the county grappled with a fire crisis in a concerning period that has hindered the service’s ability to respond adequately to fire emergencies.
According to her, the collaboration between concerned individuals like Mr. Tomah and the County Administration demonstrates the potential for positive change and the revitalization of Liberia’s firefighting capabilities. As efforts continue to gain momentum, it is anticipated that the Liberia National Fire Service in Nimba County will receive the necessary resources and support to emerge stronger and more equipped to safeguard the county against fire emergencies.
Many people have over the years cried on the Government of Liberia to open a functional fire services Substation with a fire truck in Ganta, Nimba County, as the population keeps growing daily. In a series of incidents, many innocent people died due to fire outbreaks, and several other persons’ houses and homes were destroyed as a result of fire with no redress.
It can be recalled on April 30, 2015, a fire gutted two-bedroom houses, destroying them to arches, including many valuable items. In 2013, Ganta witnessed about five separate fire incidents that left many mini stores damaged, while in 2017, a fire that engulfed an apartment left an Indian dentist dead, and just recently, in January 2024, another fire gutted buildings in Ganta.
