NATIONAL NEWS
GBARNGA – The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) is calling for increased government funding in the 2027 national budget to enable the institution to purchase additional fire trucks and strengthen emergency response across the country.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Fire Service Director Colonel Warsuwah Barvoul made the appeal during the weekend at a program marking the dedication of the Fire Service Depot in Gbarnga, Bong County.
Colonel Barvoul said the Service urgently needs more reliable fire engines to adequately respond to fire incidents, particularly as the demand for emergency services continues to increase.
Existing Fire Trucks Facing Challenges
According to Colonel Barvoul, some of the Fire Service’s existing trucks are no longer in good working condition, creating challenges for firefighters when responding to emergencies.
He said additional and properly functioning fire trucks are essential to ensuring that firefighters can reach affected communities on time and provide effective emergency services.
“We are appealing to the government that during the 2027 budget year, it should support us so that we can buy more trucks,” Colonel Barvoul said.
He described the dedication of the Gbarnga facility as an important development for Bong County, noting that it represents the first time the county has received a fire engine since 1964.
“We are here to commission fire engine for the county for the first time since 1964,” he said.
Call for Community Ownership
The Fire Service Director also called on residents of Gbarnga and surrounding communities to take ownership of the newly dedicated facility and work with firefighters to protect lives and property.
He said the presence of the depot alone will not be enough to meet the county’s emergency response needs, stressing that additional fire stations are needed across Bong County to ensure firefighters can reach communities more quickly when fires occur.
Colonel Barvoul urged residents to support the Fire Service and help protect the facility and equipment provided for emergency response.
Recruitment of Young Liberians
The Fire Service is also planning to strengthen its human resources through the recruitment of qualified young Liberians.
Colonel Barvoul said the institution intends to recruit young people, particularly high school graduates, who will undergo specialized training before being deployed to support firefighting and emergency response operations.
The recruitment drive is expected to provide the Service with additional personnel while creating opportunities for young Liberians to pursue careers in emergency and public safety services.
Broader Need for Emergency Response Capacity
The call for additional funding comes as Liberia continues to face the challenge of maintaining adequate emergency response infrastructure outside Monrovia.
The dedication of the Gbarnga Fire Service Depot is expected to improve the Fire Service’s presence in Bong County, but officials say more investment is needed in fire engines, stations, equipment, and trained personnel.
For Colonel Barvoul, the government’s support in the 2027 budget will be critical to expanding the Service’s capacity and ensuring that firefighters have the equipment needed to respond when lives and properties are at risk.
The Fire Service is therefore urging the government to prioritize funding for additional fire trucks as part of broader efforts to strengthen Liberia’s emergency preparedness and response system.
