A total of 12 people were killed and 30 injured in 3,576 fire outbreaks recorded nationwide from January to June this year, according to statistics from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
This represents a decrease compared to the same period last year when 18 deaths and 90 injuries were reported from 3,448 fire outbreaks.
The estimated cost of damages during this period was GH¢83,591,961.25, while GH¢60,190,209.00 worth of properties were saved.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana National Fire Service, Divisional Officer Grade Three (DOIII) Desmond Ackah, disclosed this information to the Ghanaian Times in Accra, Tuesday.
He identified some of the major causes of fires as electrical faults from appliances, gas leakages from improper use of LPG stoves and cylinders, indiscriminate burning of refuse, misuse of naked lights such as mosquito coils, candles, lighters, and matches, lightning, and deliberate acts.
DOIII Ackah noted that the Greater Accra Region reported the highest number of fire cases, with 708 incidents, followed by the Ashanti Region with 661 cases.
The North East Region reported the fewest with 17 cases, a decrease from the previous year.
He also highlighted that domestic fires were the most common, accounting for 35.8 per cent of incidents in June 2024, a slight decrease from 36.2 per cent in 2023.
He said bushfires followed, accounting for 17 per cent down from 17.8 per cent in 2023, while industrial fires made up 0.3 per cent, a reduction from 0.4 per cent in 2023.
In addition, he said the Fire Service attended to 285 road traffic crashes within the same period, resulting in 128 fatalities and 1,095 injuries.
The service also responded to 83 rescue operations, recording 15 deaths and 46 injuries.
DOIII Ackah observed an increase in fire cases related to electrical installations, institutional settings, and refuse dumps.
He reported a three per cent increase in out-on-arrival fire cases, reflecting the positive impact of the GNFS’s public fire safety campaigns and improved public ability to manage fires before firefighters arrive.
The PRO announced plans to intensify fire safety audits and inspections at public and private commercial premises to identify hazards and implement mitigation measures.
He said more community fire volunteers would be trained and motivated to prevent and control bushfires through climate resilience strategies such as creating fire belts around farmlands and plantations, encouraging controlled burning, and promoting alternative livelihood programs.
He said the Fire Service would also collaborate with the National Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders to enhance road safety education. DOIII Ackah assured that the GNFS remains committed to intensifying public fire safety campaigns through traditional and social media, focusing on residential areas, lorry stations, market centers, and institutions.
He urged the public to adhere to fire safety protocols to prevent fire outbreaks and protect lives and property across the country.
BY ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI
