An international fire investigator from Minneapolis has contradicted the assertions made by Inspector General of the Liberia National Police Gregory Coleman, regarding the cause of the fire that damaged parts of the Capitol building in Monrovia.
During a press conference three weeks after the incident, Coleman announced that the police determined the fire to be an act of arson, emphasizing that the building’s electrical system was functional during the fire. However, experts raise serious concerns about this conclusion.
The U.S. fire investigator, who did not give permission to be named, expressed skepticism, stating that the police chief’s statement that the electrical systems could be ruled out simply because electricity was present during the fire—is fundamentally flawed.
“During an electrical fire, it is indeed possible for electricity to still be active in the building,” the expert noted.
“If a live wire is damaged or compromised, it may still be in contact with the ground, posing significant hazards. This means one cannot automatically presume that an intact electrical system rules out electrical issues as a source of ignition.”
The police report faced criticism for lack of disclosure regarding the methods used during their investigation and lacking concrete laboratory test results to validate their findings.
“The absence of a clear investigative methodology raises doubts about the accuracy of their conclusions,” one expert said.
Col. Coleman, while announcing that sufficient evidence points towards arson, indicated that several persons of interest have been identified and contacted for questioning as part of the investigation.
To further clarify on how arson can be distinguished from accidental fires, another expert outlined several key indicators:
- Origin and Cause Determination: Investigators typically look for the point of origin of the fire and examine burn patterns. Fires started in multiple locations can suggest foul play.
- Presence of Accelerants: The use of accelerants can often be confirmed through chemical analysis. Their detection in the debris is a strong indicator of arson.
- Witness Accounts: Information from eyewitnesses regarding suspicious activities or potential suspects can greatly aid the investigation.
- Electrical Assessment: Thorough inspection and testing of electrical systems post-fire can determine if accidental electrical issues caused the blaze.
- Victimology and Motive: Understanding who could benefit from the fire, or who may have a motive to start it, can help identify suspects.
With authorities pressing for culprits, the lack of clarity and transparency regarding the methods and findings of the Liberia National Police’s investigation remains a concern for many.
