Citizens Fear Heath Risk Amid Growing Fire Incidents

By Jamesetta D. Williams

Monrovia-December 10, 2025: A major fire at a chemical warehouse in Monrovia has left communities in fear and raised serious public health concerns, following multiple explosions that destroyed the facility and affected nearby homes and institutions.

The fire reportedly began late Sunday evening, December 6, at the Sethi Chemical warehouse. Initial reports indicate that the blaze escalated quickly, triggering two major explosions that sent debris flying into surrounding areas. The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) immediately responded to the emergency.

Hon. G. Wasuwah Barvoul, Sr., Director General of LNFS, said the first responders arrived shortly after the fire was reported at approximately 7:53 p.m. “The crew immediately conducted a 360-degree assessment to identify the fire’s origin and the type of materials involved,” he explained. The fire originated in a warehouse storing highly flammable chemical products used in producing plastic materials and paint. LNFS launched “Operation Save the Community,” deploying Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to control the blaze. Despite continuous explosions, firefighters contained the fire later that evening.

The NDMA, led by Executive Director Hon. Ansu Dulleh Sr., said the incident created widespread fear among families living near the facility. “Drums containing chemicals were thrown outside the warehouse compound into nearby homes and open spaces. Toxic substances entered houses, water storage tanks, and even damaged the local drainage system,” he stated during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information. A nearby school, the Window Foundation Institute, was also affected, putting children and staff at risk.

Residents reported experiencing burning sensations, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Many fled their homes as chemical fumes and smoke spread through the neighborhood. NDMA teams conducted on-site assessments, gathering reports of ongoing health hazards and community distress.

The EPA, which sent a specialized team including members from the Environmental Enforcement and Compliance Office and the Radiation Safety Office, conducted rapid air quality testing. Officials confirmed hazardous levels of pollutants far exceeding safety standards, warning that exposure could cause respiratory irritation and other complications, particularly among children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. The agency cordoned off the area, restricted public access, and began continuous air, soil, and water monitoring.

Authorities emphasized that the Sethi Chemical facility was previously in good standing, but investigations are ongoing. NDMA and EPA officials stressed the importance of public safety and called on the warehouse management to fully cooperate with authorities to ensure proper rehabilitation and prevent future incidents.

No casualties have been reported so far, though the environmental and health impacts continue to pose a serious concern. Officials assured the public that updates will be provided as investigations progress.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.