MONROVIA – Preliminary findings from the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) indicate that an electrical shock may have caused the fire that damaged former President George M. Weah’s 9th Street residence early Wednesday morning. According to LNFS, the blaze began in Weah’s bedroom on the first floor, engulfing his bed, dresser, and window before firefighters contained it.
“The current was fluctuating at the time of combating the fire, leading the team to believe that the cause of the fire was as a result of electrical shock,” said Major George S. Davis, commander of the second shift. The fire reportedly broke out around 12:48 a.m. and was extinguished within 30 minutes, with LNFS crews leaving the scene at 2:03 a.m. No injuries were reported.
However, when investigators returned later that morning to conduct a full probe, they were denied access to the compound. LNFS stated that its team was informed that investigators would be contacted when needed, but as of the release of their statement, no follow-up communication had been received.
In a statement issued Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Fire Service confirmed, “On the morning of September 24, 2025, fire investigators went to the 9th Street residence of former President George Weah to investigate and establish the cause of the fire but were denied entry into the compound.” The statement did not specify who prevented the team from entering or provide further details on the incident.
The LNFS stressed that the fire was controlled thanks to the combined efforts of its firefighters and community residents, but the denial of access to investigators raises questions about transparency in determining the fire’s exact cause.
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring full cooperation with emergency and investigative authorities, particularly when high-profile residences are involved, to safeguard public safety and prevent future occurrences.
