The Central Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has appealed to the general public to contribute their quota to mitigate the surge in fire outbreaks in the region.
The Central Region recorded an increase in fire outbreaks in the first quarter from 198 in 2022 to 225 in 2023, representing an 18% increase.
Bushfire is leading the cause of fire cases in the region with a rise from 68 to 98, followed by domestic fires moving from 50 to 69, institutional fires from 5 to 7, vehicle fires going up from 18 to 23, electrical fires from 13 to 15 and industrial fires from 5 to 8.
Speaking on ATL FM’s Atlantic Wave, the Central Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, DOIII, Abdul Wasiu Hudu said fire safety is not a preserve of the Service or certain individuals in the country but a collective responsibility of all citizens and organizations.
He explained that the 18% increase in fire outbreaks in the first quarter of 2023 is disturbing hence he called on all institutions and individuals to play their role in ensuring fire safety.
“And whatever you don’t understand about fire safety, you ensure you use the appropriate agency or you come to fire service for clarity.”
DOIII Wasiu Hudu commended institutions such as the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Technical University, as well as some secondary schools for including fire safety talks during orientation for students.
To him, institutions should emulate that to help individuals within their offices to get abreast with fire safety measures.
Highlighting some major human activities that contribute immensely to fire outbreaks, he said notable among them are bush hunting, land clearing, and farming among others.
As these causes are human-induced, he notes that the only way out is for individuals to avoid engaging in such activities in an inappropriate manner.
The Central Regional PRO of GNFS also urged the individuals to make room for proper fire safety measures in their homes and to look out for emergency exits when they appear at public places such as hotels and restaurants due to emergencies.
He emphasized that it is important for each individual to make their safety their priority.
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Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
