Gbarnga, Bong County — The Commander of the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) Bong County Detachment, Colonel Joseph Paye, has made an urgent appeal for the construction of a modern fire station in the county, highlighting that Bong currently has no functional fire facility.
Speaking in an interview with this DK News, Col. Paye described the situation as a major obstacle to effective firefighting efforts in the county.
“We don’t have a single fire station in the entire county,” he lamented. “This makes it very hard for us to respond swiftly whenever there’s a fire outbreak.”
According to the LNFS commander, fire stations are vital operational centers that allow firefighters to store and maintain essential equipment, including fire trucks, extinguishers, and protective gear. The absence of such a facility, he noted, undermines the ability of the fire service to carry out its duties effectively.
Col. Paye revealed that the Bong County Fire Service is currently operating from the premises of the Traffic Court in Gbarnga—a temporary arrangement he described as both inconvenient and unprofessional.
He appealed to the national government, local authorities, and residents of Bong County to prioritize the construction of a standard fire station.
“I’m calling on our government, our leaders, and the good people of Bong County to see reasons to build us a fire station,” Col. Paye pleaded. “Every dry season, we experience fire incidents, and without proper facilities, our job becomes even harder.”
The fire chief’s plea comes amid frequent fire outbreaks across Bong County, particularly during the dry season, which continue to threaten lives and property.
Col. Paye warned that if the situation remains unaddressed, the Fire Service may be unable to fully execute its statutory responsibilities in the county.
He emphasized that establishing a dedicated fire station in Gbarnga would not only improve response times but also strengthen community safety and disaster preparedness across Bong County.
