The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has released its latest data on fire incidents recorded from January to September 2024. Mr. Alex King Nartey, a representative of the service, has urged the public to strengthen Preventive measures in dealing with the situation.
According to the GNFS report, between January and September 2024, a total of 4,650 fire cases were reported, reflecting a 3.17% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 4,507 cases.
Highlighting the trend, 1,600 indicated the picture of current happenings in Ghana in terms of fire outbreak cases.
The monthly breakdown of cases revealed significant fluctuations.
January 2024 recorded 802 cases, with February witnessing the highest monthly tally of 917 cases. This marked a notable increase from February 2023, which had 728 cases.
In contrast, March 2024 saw a slight improvement, with cases dropping to 594 from 622 in 2023. Similarly, April recorded a reduction from 506 cases in 2023 to 488 in 2024.
However, September saw a sharp increase, with 407 cases in 2024 compared to 358 in 2023.
Mr. Nartey attributed the rising numbers in part to increased public awareness, which has led to more incidents being reported, He emphasized;
“Our education has gone down well, and people are getting their knowledge of our numbers and calling. The figure doesn’t really pose an alarming threat but rather indicates [the] progress of the fact that now when you see the layperson out there most of them out of five people am sure three would be able to correctively give our emergency numbers.”
Mr. Alex King Nartey , Ghana Fire Services
Major Causes of Fire Incidents
GNFS identified several recurring causes of fires, including electrical faults, the improper use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), indiscriminate burning of refuse and bushes, and the misuse of naked flames such as candles and mosquito coils.
Domestic fires remained the leading category, though there was a slight reduction in cases, from 1,806 in 2023 to 1,760 in 2024. Commercial fire cases also decreased marginally, with 733 cases in 2024 compared to 743 in the previous year, also Mr. Nartey reiterated;
“People tend to resort to slum dwelling, and these slum [areas] are most of the times use for domestic purposes… They all account for domestic fires.”
Mr. Alex King Nartey , Ghana Fire Services
Bushfires and Seasonal Variations
Mr. Nartey clarified why February recorded the highest number of bushfires over the years, he stated;
“February had a volatile [weather-wise]. So, you realized that we recorded a lot of bushfires in February.”
Mr. Alex King Nartey , Ghana Fire Services
He credited the GNFS’s efforts in tackling bushfires, including the launch of the Bush Fire Awareness Week, with helping to mitigate the impact of these incidents.
“Due to our efforts, we’ve been able to ensure food security in Ghana. It’s been a long while since we heard of food shortage.”
Mr. Alex King Nartey , Ghana Fire Services
Improvements in Response Capabilities
The GNFS has made strides in enhancing its firefighting capacity. According to Mr. Nartey, over 80% of fire tenders that were previously out of commission are now operational, he emphasized;
“Abelempke was out of commission; they are back. Amansaman is back, Kolebu is back. Our regional commanders are not resting until the rest are [back].’’
Mr. Alex King Nartey , Ghana Fire Services
Despite these improvements, Mr. Nartey acknowledged the need for new fire tenders and additional resources, including rapid intervention vehicles.
He commended contributions from philanthropists, such as a recent donation from a UK-based benefactor, and encouraged public support.
“Government can’t do it all. At the end of the day, you are the people that are affected, so why don’t you chip in so that together we can protect you?”
Mr. Alex King Nartey , Ghana Fire Services
Education and Public Awareness
Public education has been a cornerstone of the GNFS’s efforts to reduce fire incidents. Mr. Nartey highlighted the service’s progress in this area, noting that more Ghanaians are now familiar with emergency contact numbers.
This increased awareness has had practical benefits, as many fires are now managed by residents before GNFS teams arrive.
“Most of the time, when our crew gets there, they do what we call cooling assessments to ensure there’s no room for reignition of the fires that the people have already put out.’’
Mr. Alex King Nartey , Ghana Fire Services
A Call to Action
While the GNFS has made commendable progress, the fight against fire outbreaks requires collective action.
Mr. Nartey emphasized the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations and supporting the GNFS’s efforts, he emphasized; “We hope the situation will get better. New appliances and continued public support are essential.’’
The GNFS’s commitment to reducing fire incidents and safeguarding lives and property is evident in its proactive measures and public engagement efforts.
However, as Mr. Nartey cautioned, sustained collaboration between the public, government, and private sector will be crucial in addressing the challenges posed by fire outbreaks in Ghana.
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