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The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has reported a staggering 100 fire outbreaks in just one week, raising serious concerns about public safety during the festive season.
The incidents, primarily involving domestic fires and bush burning, highlight the need for heightened vigilance and adherence to fire safety protocols.
Public Relations Officer Alex King Nartey disclosed the alarming figures, noting that the fires occurred within three days leading up to Christmas:
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- 44 fires on Friday
- 38 fires on Saturday
- 53 fires on Sunday
The hardest-hit regions were the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti regions. “This sharp increase points to the public’s disregard for fire safety,” Mr. Nartey said, adding that the GNFS is intensifying its education efforts.
The service attributed the surge to preventable causes, including:
- Negligence in handling open flames near flammable materials.
- Leaving electrical appliances on when not in use.
- Bush burning, a common dry-season activity.
The GNFS is calling on households and communities to take immediate steps to reduce fire risks. Key recommendations include:
- Ensuring electrical appliances are switched off and unplugged when not in use.
- Avoiding open flames in close proximity to flammable materials.
- Educating family members on fire prevention and response.
- Promptly reporting fire incidents to the nearest fire station.
Despite the alarming figures, Mr. Nartey acknowledged that public education campaigns are beginning to make a difference. “We’ve seen some improvement in how people handle fires when they start, but we still have a long way to go in achieving full compliance,” he remarked.
With the festive season in full swing, the GNFS is emphasising the importance of public cooperation to prevent further outbreaks.
The service warns that failure to adhere to safety protocols could lead to more devastating incidents.
