Monrovia, Liberia – A detailed investigation by the Fire Rescue Alliance (FRA) has determined that the fire which ravaged Liberia’s Capitol Building in December 2024 was the result of deliberate arson. The findings, submitted to the Liberia National Police (LNP) on March 4, 2025, rule out accidental causes and conclude that the blaze was intentionally set using accelerants to spread the flames quickly.
According to the FRA report, the fire began near the Speaker’s podium inside the legislative joint chamber. This area sustained the most severe damage, with flames consuming the wood-paneled walls and spreading across the west-side balcony toward the ceiling. Investigators suggest the fire’s rapid escalation was fueled by combustible materials such as carpets, foam chairs, and wooden furniture present in the chamber.
Evidence gathered during the investigation points to a calculated attempt to intensify the fire and block escape routes. Eight one-gallon containers were discovered near primary exits, a detail the report emphasizes as a critical sign of premeditation. These containers were not seen during a legislative session the day before the fire, raising suspicions about when and why they were placed.
Investigators also found indications that ignitable liquids were used to accelerate the fire’s spread. Physical evidence and burn patterns suggest the presence of flammable substances. Witnesses reported hearing the sound of shattering windows on the west side of the building shortly after the fire started. Experts from the FRA concluded that the broken windows allowed additional oxygen to feed the flames, increasing the intensity of the blaze and making it more challenging to contain.
The report dismisses electrical malfunction as a possible cause. Investigators found no signs of electrical arcing or system failure in the area where the fire originated. Furthermore, prior vandalism had already severed exterior electrical conduits, eliminating the possibility that faulty wiring could have sparked the blaze. Building staff also confirmed that air conditioning units were non-functional at the time, further ruling out mechanical sources of ignition.
The FRA investigation was conducted by a team of retired fire chiefs, Jerry Streich, Ken Prillaman, and Mark Lynde, who arrived in Liberia on February 28, 2025, to conduct an independent review.Their work began with briefings from local law enforcement, followed by an extensive site examination beginning March 1. Over the next two days, the team collected physical evidence, analyzed fire patterns, and interviewed witnesses before concluding their investigation. All evidence was turned over to the Liberia National Police.
In its final assessment, the FRA asserts that the fire was not an accident. The report highlights that the combination of accelerants, the strategic placement of containers near exits, and the absence of any accidental ignition source point to intentional arson. Investigators emphasized that these findings reflect a “reasonable degree of probability” based on the available evidence. While the case is officially closed, the FRA expressed a willingness to reopen the investigation if new information emerges.
The fire, which erupted around 6:20 a.m. on December 18, 2024, caused extensive damage to the Capitol Building but resulted in no reported injuries or fatalities. The incident disrupted legislative proceedings and raised concerns about the vulnerability of Liberia’s most significant government institutions to targeted attacks.
The FRA report is expected to heighten pressure on law enforcement to identify and prosecute those responsible. With strong evidence supporting the claim of arson, public demands for a transparent and thorough criminal investigation are mounting. Civil society organizations have also called on authorities to disclose any findings related to potential motives and to ensure those responsible face justice.
Security lapses at the Capitol Building were also highlighted in the report. Investigators noted the absence of essential fire prevention systems such as smoke detectors, sprinklers, and a centralized fire alarm system. The lack of these basic safety measures, according to the FRA, likely contributed to the scale of the destruction and underscores the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to prevent future incidents.
