By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
MONROVIA – Montserrado County Senator Darius Dillon has called for fire safety to be elevated to a national priority, as Liberia continues to grapple with frequent and devastating fire outbreaks.
Speaking on Monday, May 6, 2025, at the Executive Pavilion in Central Monrovia during the observance of International Firefighters Day, Senator Dillon emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated and well-funded fire prevention strategy across the country.
“We cannot continue to treat fire disasters as isolated incidents. Fire safety must become a national priority. Prevention must be institutionalized, and preparedness must be both funded and professionalized,” Dillon asserted.
The senator stressed the importance of equipping the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) with the tools and training it needs to function effectively. He urged the government to invest in modern equipment, rapid response systems, and robust training programs for firefighters.
“We need better training for our firefighters, modern firefighting equipment, and a rapid response system that allows them to act swiftly. At the same time, we must roll out public education campaigns in schools, communities, places of worship, and marketplaces,” he said.
Liberia National Fire Service Seeks Budget Boost
Meanwhile, Liberia National Fire Service Director Warsuwah Barvol also took the stage, appealing for increased budgetary support to expand the agency’s operational footprint and enhance its emergency response capabilities.
Barvol argued that establishing more fire stations would dramatically reduce emergency response times and strengthen the agency’s ability to protect lives and property across Montserrado County and surrounding areas.
“In this public space, I want to thank both the Legislature and the Executive for the support given so far. But we need more. We are appealing for additional budgetary allocations to help us establish at least seven new fire stations in Monrovia and its environs, as the city remains the country’s most densely populated hub,” Director Barvol said.
As Liberia continues to face recurring fire emergencies, both Senator Dillon and Director Barvol’s remarks underscore a growing consensus: that fire safety is not just an emergency issue, but a matter of national security, planning, and public education.
