A team of seasoned fire experts from Minnesota has concluded that the fire that severely damaged the Capitol Building last year was an act of arson. Led by fire chiefs Kenneth Prillaman, Mark Lynde, and Jerry Streich, the investigation relied on a meticulous analysis of fire patterns, witness testimonies, and physical evidence to reach this conclusion.
The investigation pinpointed the Speaker’s podium as the fire’s point of origin. According to the experts, the fire spread rapidly after windows on the west side of the building were broken, allowing oxygen to fuel the flames. This observation, combined with the absence of electrical issues like short-circuiting or arcing, ruled out accidental causes and pointed squarely to arson.
One of the most striking discoveries was the presence of eight one-gallon containers near exits, containers that hadn’t been there during a legislative meeting held less than 24 hours before the fire. The experts noted that these containers were strategically placed near escape routes, likely to obstruct evacuation and accelerate the fire’s spread. The flames moved upward, causing significant damage to the wood paneling and the backdrop featuring the Liberian crest.
Despite these findings, the experts emphasized that additional forensic work is needed to fully understand the motive behind the arson and to identify those responsible. Notably, the investigation did not include chemical analysis or forensic testing, which could have provided more definitive answers.
The final report, submitted to the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police on March 4, 2025, underscores the deliberate nature of the fire but leaves critical questions unanswered. Without forensic analysis, the investigation remains incomplete.
