The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) has revealed that its investigators were denied access to the residence of former President George Manneh Weah following a fire that damaged parts of the property in the early hours of Wednesday, September 24.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The agency confirmed in an official statement that a team dispatched to conduct a post-fire assessment at former President Weah’s 9th Street home was turned away and told they would be contacted if needed, a call that has yet to come.
This development has raised eyebrows across political and public circles, particularly as initial reports from firefighters suggest the fire originated in the former President’s bedroom on the first floor and may have been caused by an electrical shock, worsened by power fluctuations during the incident.
The LNFS confirmed the fire was first reported at 12:48 a.m on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Crews from Station One responded immediately and were later joined by backup units from Stations Four and Five along with an ambulance.
The fire was brought under control by 1:20 a.m. and the team departed the scene at 2:03 a.m.
CDC Demands International Forensic Investigation
In response to the incident and the restricted access to investigators, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the political party of Mr. Weah, has called for an international forensic fire investigation into the blaze.
The CDC described the fire as a “national security concern” and emphasized the importance of engaging independent and international experts to ensure transparency and credibility in the investigation.
“The circumstances surrounding this fire, coupled with the denial of access to state fire authorities, demand a thorough and neutral investigation,” a CDC spokesperson said Thursday.
“We are calling on the international community to assist in uncovering the full truth.”
Other Recent Fire Incidents Raise Public Concern
The incident at Mr. Weah’s residence was not isolated. Just three days earlier, on September 21, a fire broke out at the home of Rt. General Prince C. Johnson, Director of the National Security Agency (NSA).
That fire, reported around 3:00 a.m., occurred at his residence in New Kaymah Town, Soul Clinic Community in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.
The Liberia National Fire Service Units from Engines Four and Five responded swiftly and managed to contain the fire. Investigations are still ongoing and no casualties have been reported.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
These back-to-back incidents involving two high-profile figures have prompted heightened public and political scrutiny.
Jacob Town Blaze Claims Three Lives
To further compound national concerns, the Liberia National Fire Service confirmed that on the same day as the Weah’s Residence fire, another fire broke out in Jacob Town, Paynesville along Rehab Road, this time with fatal consequences.
The fire tragically claimed the lives of three individuals, marking one of the deadliest domestic fire incidents in recent months.
Liberia National Fire Service teams have launched a full investigation into the cause, but as of now, no official determination has been made.
LNFS Urges Public Cooperation and Fire Safety Awareness
Amid the surge in the fire outbreaks across Montserrado County, the Liberia National Fire Service is appealing to the public for greater cooperation, especially in allowing timely access to fire scenes for investigation.
In the official statement, Chief Jackie M. Q. Sie, Head of Press & Public Affairs, reiterated the LNFS’s commitment to protecting life and property, calling on residents to take electrical safety seriously and ensure compliance with fire safety protocols.
“We urge all Liberians to remain vigilant and responsive in the face of these growing incidents,” the statement reads.
“The LNFS will continue to act professionally and impartially, but we rely on the cooperation of the public to do our job effectively.”
With the string of incidents affecting both ordinary citizens and national figures, the demand for thorough investigations, preventive measures, and accountability is growing louder.
Whether the government will heed the CDC’s call for international assistance remains to be seen.
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