Naphtha Inferno: GNFS Battles Deadly Tanker Fire at Pombaria, Firefighter Injured
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has brought under control a fully developed fire involving a tanker carrying naphtha, a highly flammable petroleum-related substance, at Pombaria after hours of intensive firefighting.
The GNFS Public Relations Officer, Alex King Nartey, said the incident was reported around 12:00 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the newly commissioned Tiamma Fire Station, which arrived at the scene within five minutes.
According to him, firefighters initially believed they were dealing with a conventional petroleum product but later discovered that the tanker was carrying naphtha, a more hazardous substance that required specialised firefighting techniques.
“We initially thought we were dealing with petroleum or normal petrol, but we realised that it was naphtha that we were dealing with, which is a much more corrosive and much more deadly substance,” Mr Nartey explained.
He said the discovery led the team to call for additional support, resulting in the deployment of about six other fire tenders to assist in controlling the blaze.
The GNFS PRO noted that the tanker had fallen on its side before catching fire, but the driver and his mate were able to escape from the vehicle before firefighters arrived.
“Before our arrival, the driver and his mates were successfully rescued; they were able to get out of the vehicle before we got there,” he said.
However, one firefighter sustained injuries to his hands and suffered heat exposure to his face while battling the fire. He was subsequently taken to Tiamma General Hospital for treatment.
The driver and his mate are also receiving medical attention at the Pong Government Hospital, Mr Nartey added.
He explained that because of the nature of naphtha, firefighters had to deploy foam concentrates to cut off oxygen supply and prevent the fire from reigniting.
“We have to use foam concentrates as a means of fighting the fire to be able to appropriately prevent oxygen from further igniting the fire,” he said.
Mr Nartey stressed that fighting a naphtha fire poses significant risks even to trained firefighters because of the toxic fumes released during combustion.
“The smoke that it emits can even be very poisonous and can cause respiratory cancers to officers, and so fighting such a fire required a lot of tact and experience,” he stated.
He assured the public that the situation was no longer posing a threat, although firefighters remained at the scene monitoring the area due to occasional flare-ups.
“As it stands now, the fire has been brought well under control. There are a few times where the fire has reignited, but we have been on standby and are still managing the situation to ensure no further damage is recorded,” he added.
Mr Nartey also highlighted the quick response of the newly established Tiamma Fire Station, saying the facility, which was commissioned only last week, had already demonstrated its importance in emergency response.
He commended the firefighters for their swift intervention and assured that the GNFS would continue working to protect lives and property across the country.
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