The Liberia National Fire Service Detachment in Maryland County is on the brink of collapse, with officers working in a deteriorating station while appeals for help go unanswered.
The fire station on Green Street in Harper City is in a deplorable state, exposing firefighters to unsafe working conditions.
The Commander, Nathaniel Williams said, the building has been damaged and neglected since he took over in January, 2019.
“I met the building in a terrible condition when I was assigned here. The only reason it is still standing today, is because of the temporary patch work I have struggled to do myself.” Williams said, multiple reports and complaints have been sent to central government and relevant authorities, but no action has been taken.
Key challenges include a lack of firefighting equipment and materials, transportation and mobility problems for officers, and the urgent need for a total renovation of the building.
The situation worsens during the rainy season when water leaks heavily into the building, forcing officers to abandon their offices and work from the porch.
Williams has meanwhile, appealed to government, lawmakers, humanitarian organizations, and international partners to intervene before the situation becomes a disaster.
The Maryland County Fire Service serves more than 21,000 residents.
Residents warn that without urgent action, emergency response operations could collapse, putting thousands of lives and properties at risk.