Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued a stern warning to the public, particularly those prone to assaulting personnel arriving late at fire scenes, following a disturbing incident in Apraman, a farming community near Kade.
Reports from Citinewsroom.com reveal that firefighters from the Asamankese Fire Station faced resistance from residents upon their arrival at a fire scene in Apraman. The Asamankese firefighters were called to assist their colleagues from the Kade fire station, who had already been dispatched.
However, due to a fault in their tender at Topreman, 2km away from Apraman, the Asamankese personnel arrived at the scene in a private vehicle. This delay infuriated the residents, leading to an assault on the firefighters.
Fortunately, the situation was brought under control with the timely intervention of ASP Ernest Danso from the Ghana Police Service. This allowed the firefighters to collaborate with the local residents to contain the fire using buckets of water.
Despite efforts, four residential units with nine bedrooms each suffered substantial losses in the fire. Thankfully, there were no casualties reported.
Speaking on the incident, D03 Ignatius Baidoo, the Eastern Regional Fire Service Public Relations Officer, emphasized the need for the public to refrain from attacking firefighters. He stressed that firefighters put their lives at risk to save lives and protect property.
D03 Baidoo explained, “The Kade Fire Station received a distressed call on February 8 due to a fire outbreak. Because the tender was out of commission, having broken down, it couldn’t respond to the fire scene. So a call was made to the Asamankese Fire Station.”
He further added, “Our men were heckled, insulted, and even one of them was pushed down. My appeal to the public is that when firefighters arrive at the scene, and if you perceive a delay due to misinformation or the fire service not receiving timely information, please allow them to assess the situation.”
D03 Baidoo concluded by urging the public to refrain from insulting firefighters and to allow them to carry out their duties effectively. He emphasized that firefighters will continue to serve diligently and will not relent in their efforts to protect lives and property.