MONROVIA, Liberia – The Deputy Director for Operations of the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), Col. P. Edwin Tisdell, has identified poor road infrastructure, inadequate manpower, and the limited number of fire stations across Liberia as the institution’s biggest obstacles to delivering timely emergency response services.
Speaking during an appearance on a local radio station in Monrovia, Col. Tisdell said firefighters frequently encounter delays in reaching the scenes of fires and other emergencies because of the country’s deteriorating road network. He warned that these delays often contribute to greater property damage and increase the risk of casualties.
Col. Tisdell also highlighted the shortage of trained firefighters, noting that the lack of personnel has made it difficult for the LNFS to adequately serve communities across the country or respond effectively to multiple emergencies occurring at the same time.
He further stressed the urgent need for additional fire stations nationwide, pointing out that several counties and communities either have limited fire service coverage or none at all, leaving residents highly vulnerable when disasters strike.
The Deputy Director urged the Government of Liberia and its development partners to prioritize investment in the National Fire Service through improved road infrastructure, the recruitment and training of more firefighters, the construction of additional fire stations, and the provision of modern firefighting equipment.
According to Col. Tisdell, strengthening the Liberia National Fire Service is essential to protecting lives, reducing property losses, and improving the country’s overall emergency preparedness and disaster response capacity.
Despite the operational constraints, the Liberia National Fire Service continues to play a crucial role in combating fires, conducting rescue operations, and responding to emergencies across the country.
Liberia National Fire Service Hampered by Poor Roads, Staff Shortage, and Limited Fire Stations, Deputy Director Warns
