In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the Ghana National Fire Service’s Eastern Regional Command reported a noteworthy 10.77% reduction in fire outbreaks.
The statistical analysis revealed a decline in the total number of fire incidents within the region, dropping from 650 cases in 2022 to 580 cases in 2023.
The recorded incidents encompassed diverse categories such as domestic, industrial, vehicular, commercial, institutional, and bushfires.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO I) Jennifer N.Y. Quaye, the Eastern Regional Commander of the GNFS, shared insights in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.
Ms. Quaye attributed the decrease in institutional and bushfire cases in 2023 to intensified fire safety education efforts by the regional command.
However, she highlighted an increase in domestic, industrial, and commercial fire outbreaks in 2023, suggesting a lapse in public adherence to optimal fire safety practices.
Ms. Quaye outlined plans to bolster fire safety education, targeting locations such as lorry stations, schools, churches, and mosques. The initiative will also include a door-to-door campaign and leverage various social media platforms to effectively reach a broader audience.
She added, “I call on the public to grant fire personnel an audience when the education commences to reduce fire outbreaks drastically.”
In addition, she recommended that people avoid using phony or subpar cables when wiring their buildings and instead hire licensed electricians.
“Install fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers on your premises to ensure early detection of fires before they get out of hand,” she said.
The Regional Command assured the public of its readiness to respond to any emergency call within the mandate.