Liberia’s National Fire Service is facing challenges in responding to fire outbreaks, as highlighted by the recent incident at Speaker Koffa’s residence. President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has called for urgent measures to address the increasing fire disasters across the country.
During a visit to Speaker Koffa’s home in Paynesville, President Boakai expressed his government’s commitment to implementing collective measures to combat recurring fire outbreaks. The President emphasized the importance of addressing the fire incidents nationwide and assured that corrective actions would be taken.
While no casualties were reported from the fire at Speaker Koffa’s residence, his wife, Mrs. Dama Reter Yekeson-Koffa, described the incident as devastating. She highlighted the lack of a systematic approach in dealing with fire situations and the need for building effective systems in the country.
Mrs. Yekeson-Koffa criticized the National Fire Service for its unproductive response to the fire, citing a lack of resourceful equipment and inefficiency in handling the situation. She emphasized the urgency of taking fire disasters seriously and building a reliable system across all sectors to prevent such catastrophes in the future.
Speaking to reporters, Mrs. Yekeson-Koffa recounted the harrowing experience of the fire outbreak in their home and the challenges they faced in dealing with the blaze. Despite the loss, she expressed gratitude for the support received from President Boakai, colleagues, and neighbors during the difficult time.
In conclusion, Speaker Koffa thanked President Boakai and others for their support and reassured that most of the important documents at his residence were safe. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved fire response capabilities and the importance of building a robust system to prevent and manage fire disasters effectively.
