LBS Community, Paynesville – A tragic incident has left families devastated after a mysterious fire ravaged their compound on Tuesday afternoon, completely destroying their homes and leaving more than 10 residents, including vulnerable infant and elderly women, homeless and with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
Witnesses describe the fire as sudden and fierce, consuming an 11-room brick and zinc structure along with a smaller four-room building connected to it. By the time help arrived, the flames had already reduced both homes to ashes.
When FrontPageAfrica arrived at the scene, the sight was heartbreaking; a older woman sat barefoot amid the ruins, a baby clung to her mother, and children desperately searched through the charred remains in hopes of salvaging anything. Unfortunately, hope was a fleeting emotion as there was nothing left to recover.
Ma Hannah Davis, Late 60s: “Everything We Worked For… All Burned”
Among the victims, Ma Hannah Davis, one of the oldest residents who is the owner of the houses, struggled to hold back tears as she recounted the horrifying moment she discovered her home was on fire.
“We were sitting outside,” she recalled softly. “My daughter said, ‘Ma, look here.’ When I looked, smoke was billowing from inside. Before we could react, the entire place was engulfed in flames.”
The disbelief was palpable as she shook her head, grappling with the enormity of her loss. “We didn’t take anything… nothing at all. Everything we worked for—gone. My daughter’s belongings, memories of my late husband—everything gone.”
Ma Hannah was sitting outside, only to see the devastating that flames consumed her home.
“I don’t know what started it,” she said. “I have no idea what caused it. My daughter just said mommy look at the fire and I started yelling. Before we knew it, the fire was everywhere.”
But with more than 10 family members, including her children and grandchildren, residing in the two structures, she stated mournfully, “Now we have nothing left. Just me and my children. We have nowhere to go. I’m begging for help. Please, I don’t want my children and me to suffer.”
Decontee Cherue: A Mother of Three, Including a 6-Month-Old Baby — “We Have Nowhere to Go”
Another heart-wrenching story comes from Decontee Cherue, a young mother of three, clutching her 6-month-old baby tightly in her arms.
Overwhelmed by the tragedy, she broke down and fainted briefly before family members were able to support her. When she regained her composure, she recounted the moment the fire broke out.
“There was smoke coming from inside,” she shared. “But by the time we reached the door, the house was already on fire. We lost everything—every single thing.”
Decontee pointed to the remains of the smaller building where the fire began, indicating that her mother’s room was located on that side. “Everything was on fire,” she said, a mix of disbelief and sorrow in her voice.
“Our families didn’t have rent, so we all lived together. Now, it’s all gone.”
With tears streaming down her face, she voiced her heartbreak: “I don’t know where we’ll go now. I can’t imagine what’s next for us. I have three children, and we have nothing left. Everything we had is in those ashes. My clothes, the baby’s clothes—everything is burned.”
She wiped her face repeatedly, desperately trying to comfort her crying infant. “We have nowhere to go. We have nowhere to turn. I call on people to help us… to come to our rescue before it’s too late.”
Community Members First Responded as Fire Service Arrived Late
Residents shared that it was the community’s brave neighbors and youth who first rushed to assist the families affected; however, their efforts were thwarted by the intensity of the flames.
“One young man was the first to show up,” Decontee recalled. “He tried his best to help, but the fire was just too overwhelming.”
By the time the Liberia National Fire Service arrived, both homes had already collapsed.
Victims Plead for Government, District #6 Representative Samuel Enders and Public Assistance
Both women voiced their urgent cries for support. “I beg the government,” Decontee pleaded. “Please, we just want help. We have lost everything. Rev Enders, please come to our rescue.”
Ma Hannah echoed her sentiments: “My children and I have nowhere to sleep. I ask for anyone who can assist us to please come forward.”
For the moment, the victims are finding temporary shelter wherever gracious neighbors can provide space, while some remain near the ashes of what once was their home, unable to leave the painful memories behind.
Authorities have yet to determine the official cause of the fire, leaving these families in desperate need of answers and assistance.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
