By Lewis S. Teh
Monrovia, Liberia — March 17, 2026 — The Executive Director of the Governance Commission, Jallah C. Kesselly, has called for greater national support for the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) following the official launch of the institution’s Five-Year Strategic Plan on March 13 in Monrovia.
The plan seeks to strengthen fire prevention, emergency response, and public safety nationwide.
Speaking at the launch event in Sinkor, Kesselly commended Fire Service Director G. Warsuwah Barvoul Sr. for his leadership, noting that the LNFS has begun to restore public confidence despite operating with limited resources.
He emphasized that increased government and stakeholder support is essential for the Fire Service to effectively protect lives and property nationwide.
Kesselly further disclosed that the Governance Commission is considering future collaboration with the Fire Service to improve fire safety policies, bolster national preparedness, and enhance institutional coordination. He described the LNFS as a vital agency in safeguarding communities.
The new Five-Year Strategic Plan details steps to boost fire prevention, expand emergency response capacity, and raise community awareness, while also strengthening cooperation between the Fire Service and other key institutions.
Director Barvoul stressed that the success of the plan will depend on partnerships with government agencies—including the Ministry of Public Works, Liberia Electricity Corporation, Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, and the National Disaster Management Agency—as well as support from the private sector.
He highlighted that the frequent occurrence of fire incidents across the country underscores the urgent need for improved equipment, training, and logistics to enable firefighters to respond more effectively to emergencies.
The launch event brought together representatives from government ministries, the National Legislature, and international partners, all of whom pledged their support for efforts to improve national disaster response.
Officials say the new strategic plan is expected to guide the Liberia National Fire Service over the next five years as it builds capacity and provides better protection for lives and property throughout Liberia.
