In 2023, the Central Region reported 664 fire incidents compared to 570 in 2022, indicating a 16.5% increase. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, unlike 2022, which had two deaths among the 570 cases.
The Regional Office of the Ghana National Fire Service expressed concern about the elevated rate of increase. Bushfires rose from 114 in 2022 to 159 in 2023, mainly attributed to farmers and hunters.
Domestic fires increased from 195 in 2022 to 234 in 2023, primarily caused by electrical faults due to poor wiring and LPG accidents, according to DOIII Abdul Wasiu Hudu, the Regional Public Relations Officer.
“Burning of rubbish also caused some commercial fires,” he added.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) provided specifics on additional incidents managed by the Service, including 125 road traffic extrications, one flood response, and the handling of six bee attack situations that led to 10 injuries.
“There were four well rescues where two died and two survived, one rescue from a septic tank and one case of electrocution,” he explained.
However, in 2023, the Service received 34 prank calls. DOIII Hudu, expressing concern about this occurrence, emphasized that fire safety is a collective responsibility. He urged the public to refrain from making prank calls and to diligently adhere to all protocols to ensure the safety of everyone.
Highlighting bushfires as a major concern, he stated that the Service would persist in educating stakeholders about the laws against bush burning and the associated consequences to reduce such incidents.
“It’s illegal to burn bushes and you will be held accountable if your actions lead to bushfires,” he warned.
The Fire Officer highlighted that the Service’s primary challenge was covering extensive distances to respond to distress calls.
This, he observed, led to increased response times, resulting in some incidents spiraling out of control. Consequently, he appealed for the establishment of more fire stations to safeguard lives and property.