A total of 695 fires were recorded in the Accra metropolis during the first half of this year as against 609 within the same period the previous year, an increase of 86 fires.
The breakdown is as follows: domestic-246, Vehicular-84, Industrial -3, Electrical Installation 128, Commercial -96, Institution-10, Bush fires-106 and refuse-22.
The Greater Accra Regional Fire Commanding Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Assistant Chief Fire Officer(ACFO), Ebenezer Simpson, disclosed this to The Ghanaian Times in Accra, yesterday.
He said the increase in the recorded cases was as a result of the bush fires during the dry season early this year.
ACFO Simpson said as part of measures to reduce fires, the GNFS would launch a bush fire campaign to educate the public on the menace.
He said the Command would also establish fire volunteer squad at vantage points in the metropolis to help in fire prevention.
“We would also embark on our routine fire safety education to educate the public on the dangers of fires in the country,” he stressed.
The Commanding Officer said the fires associated with electrical installations particularly electricity meters on poles were on the ascendency.
He said such meters were exposed to the weather which facilitated fire outbreaks.
“Cases of prepaid meters on poles situated outside and catching fire were rampant during the raining seasons which had become a concern to us because it becomes a drain to national resources,” he added.
ACFO stated that the GNFS was in contact with the Electricity Company of Ghana to address such issues.
He appealed to the stakeholders to collaborate with the Service to ensure that fire outbreaks were reduced in the country.
“We should all as citizen make fire safety our priority to ensure that lives and properties were safe.” he added
ACFO Simpson called on the public to contact the service immediately on its emergency number192 during emergencies, adding that victims should not wait till things get out of hand before they contact the service.
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