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Claim: Bryan Harris, a social media user, posted in Liberian Policy Forum, a Facebook group, alleging that the Investigation Report about the Capitol Building fire disaster linked the incident to natural causes and electric shock.
Verdict: False! The International Investigators report on Capitol Building recently indicated the fire incident was an intentional act of arson.
Full Text
A wildfire disaster occurred on the Liberian Capitol Building on December 18, 2024, causing damage to the Legislature of $1.8 million. The fire incident was noticed by citizens early in the morning at about 6:00 am. A preliminary Police report referred to the incident as an act of arson. The Liberian National Police have also summoned a few lawmakers who are believed to be connected to the act. The Representatives are Prescilla Cooper, Marvin Cole, Dixon Seboe, Frank Saah Foko, Abu Kamara, and embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa.
After the Liberian National Police’s preliminary investigation, the Government of Liberia invited International Fire investigators to conduct further examinations. The Minnesota-based Fire Rescue Alliance (FRA) arrived in Liberia on Feb 28, 2025, and effectively started operating. On May 4, 2025, the FRA released the findings from the investigation.
Based on this backdrop, Bryan Harris, a social media user, posted in Liberian Policy Forum, a Facebook group, alleging that the FRA findings revealed that the Capitol Building Disaster was caused by electric shock and natural causes.
The post said, “Capitol Building fire investigative report says the fire was caused by a natural incident and electrical shock.”
Screenshot below of the claim above
By the time this report was put together, the post had accumulated 41 reactions and 216 comments. Commenters challenged the credibility of the claim, and others agreed with the poster’s allegation. The mixed reactions led DUBAWA to conduct a fact check.
Screenshot of comments above
Verification
DUBAWA researched the findings of the American Fire Investigators. The investigative report highlighted the following findings.
According to FRA investigators, the area of origin of the fire was identified at or near the Speaker’s podium, where the most significant fire damage was identified. The report added that the finding is supported by burn pattern analysis and correlates with witness statements regarding the first windows breaking on the west side of the building, which introduced additional oxygen and intensified the fire. The investigation concludes that a fire originating near the Speaker’s podium would involve a lot of combustibles such as furniture, cloth bunting, foam chairs, carpet, and the like.
FRA said the rapid spread of this fire suggests an ignitable liquid was used to allow such a fire to spread to full involvement within minutes. Above the Speaker’s podium was a vertical wall covered with wood panelling and the Liberian crest on its face. With the fire originating at or near the podium, the fire moved vertically up the wall and across the underneath side of the west wall balcony. It then moved vertically up the front of the wood-covered backdrop with the Liberia Crest and to the ceiling.
The investigation ruled out an electrical cause, as an examination of electrical conductors in the area of the fire found no evidence of arcing or short-circuiting. Additionally, prior vandalism had resulted in cutting exterior electrical conductors, eliminating the possibility of an electrical ignition source. No evidence of energised appliances or active electrical loads was present at the time of the fire. Building maintenance stated the air conditioning units were not working, and if they were, they would not have been in use as they do not operate them unless the chamber is in use.
“Considering the lack of accidental ignition sources, the presence of ignitable materials in key areas, and fire behaviour consistent with an incendiary act (rapid fire growth), the cause of the fire has been classified as intentional (incendiary).”
“Further findings revealed that within the area of origin and along primary egress routes, investigators located eight one-gallon containers, which were not observed in the building less than 24 hours prior during a legislative meeting. The placement of these containers, particularly near exits, suggests an intentional effort to obstruct egress and increase fire spread, which may have been the intent.
“Based on a systematic fire investigation following best practices, this fire has been classified as INCINDIARY in nature. The determination was reached through a methodical analysis of fire patterns, material damage, witness statements, and physical evidence processed and collected at the scene,” the report said.
The report was also published on several Liberian News platforms. A few of them can be found here and here.
Conclusion
Based on DUBAWA’s findings, the FRA report didn’t link the Capitol Building fire to natural causes and electrical shock.
