Monrovia – The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) is set to receive expert assistance from three former U.S. fire chiefs who are arriving in the country this Friday to help investigate the devastating fire that ravaged the joint chamber and dome of the Capitol Building several months ago, according to G. Warsuwah Barvoul, Director of Liberia National Fire Service.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
The move follows growing concerns about the cause of the blaze and a call for impartial, international expertise to ensure a transparent investigation.
The fire, which destroyed the seat of Liberia’s National Legislature, shocked the nation, especially as preliminary investigations pointed to a deliberate act.
According to findings from the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia National Fire Service, evidence gathered from the scene, such as multiple points of ignition and a container with a flammable substance, strongly suggests the fire was set intentionally.
Inspector General of the LNP, Gregory Coleman, ruled out electrical faults as the cause, further strengthening the suspicion of arson.
“This was no accident,” Inspector General Coleman said in a press briefing in January, confirming that the electrical grid was active during the incident, eliminating electrical malfunction as a possible cause.
The tragic event has prompted calls for justice and thorough investigation.
Among the most vocal advocates for transparency has been embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fonati Koffa, who, after learning of the investigation’s development, appealed to the Liberian government to seek international expertise to ensure a fair and impartial probe.
On January 23, Koffa’s appeal came on the heels of a formal communication from the LNP naming several lawmakers, including Koffa himself, as persons of interest in the investigation.
“My hope is that the investigation will be fair and thorough, and will uncover the truth about what happened,” Koffa said, reflecting the sentiment of many who are still searching for answers.
In response to this, the Liberian government formally reached out for help from seasoned fire safety experts in the U.S.
The three fire chiefs arriving from Minnesota are former chiefs Kenneth Prillaman, Mark Lynde, and Jerry Streich, who collectively bring over 90 years of experience in fire safety, investigation, and emergency management.
The delegation, representing the Fire Rescue Alliance, was invited to help analyze the Capitol Building site, review evidence, and offer recommendations for fire prevention.
Prillaman, who served as chief in both Brooklyn Park, MN, and Wichita Falls, TX, expressed his team’s eagerness to assist Liberia, stating, “We are honored to lend our expertise in support of the Liberian government. Our goal is to conduct a thorough investigation, share best practices, and strengthen fire safety protocols to protect critical infrastructure.”
The U.S. fire chiefs will work alongside the Liberia National Fire Service and the Liberia National Police to further investigate the Capitol fire, interview witnesses and first responders, and examine the site for any overlooked evidence.
The team’s contribution comes not only to assist in identifying the perpetrators but also to offer a set of best practices that could help Liberia prevent future fire-related disasters.
After their investigation, they will submit a final report to the Liberian government, which will aid in prosecution efforts and provide a roadmap for improving fire safety throughout the nation.
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