A joint investigation by the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) and the Ministry of Justice has determined that the fire which gutted the residence of Retired General Prince C. Johnson, Director General of the National Security Agency (NSA), was caused by overheated solar batteries.
According to the report, the incident occurred around 3 a.m. on September 21, 2025, when an electrical short circuit in the home’s solar system sparked a rapid blaze. Investigators found that flammable materials stored near the batteries fueled the flames, causing extensive damage.
In a concerning revelation, authorities said no fire extinguishers or smoke detectors were discovered in the residence. Despite frantic efforts by neighbors and on-site security personnel to disconnect the power and contain the fire, the lack of fire safety equipment allowed the situation to spiral out of control.
The investigation ruled out any foul play, confirming that the fire was mechanical in nature, triggered solely by overheating batteries and poor safety precautions.
The LNFS commended first responders for their swift action and used the incident as a warning to homeowners nationwide. The agency urged Liberians to ensure that solar systems are correctly installed, regularly inspected, and supported by proper fire safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
