The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has refuted circulating social media claims that civilians extinguished a fire at Lucky Media/Herbal Clinic in Kasoa, asserting that the operation was entirely managed and completed by GNFS personnel.
The incident, which occurred on the morning of Monday, June 16, 2025, was brought under control with swift coordinated action by firefighters from the Kasoa and Anyaa fire stations.
“The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) wishes to inform the general public that the fire outbreak – was successfully and fully contained by GNFS firefighters and not by members of the public, as inaccurately portrayed in a viral video circulating on social media”
GNFS
According to the GNFS, the fire started at 08:43 hours due to a gas cylinder explosion caused by unattended cooking. A distress call triggered an immediate response, and by 08:45 hours, the Kasoa Fire Station crew had arrived at the scene.
They were promptly joined by a team from Anyaa Fire Station. Firefighters succeeded in controlling the blaze at 09:30 hours and fully extinguishing it by 10:54 hours.
The fire gutted the upper floor of a one-storey building used both as a studio and a residential apartment. All seven rooms on the affected floor, along with their contents, were entirely destroyed. However, no injuries were recorded, a fact the GNFS attributed to the promptness and professionalism of its personnel.
The cause of the fire was identified as a gas cylinder explosion from cooking activities that had been left unattended. GNFS emphasized that while the loss of property was unfortunate, the rapid intervention prevented potential fatalities and more extensive damage.
Disrupted Efforts
The Ghana National Fire Service expressed serious concern over an incident during the operation, where some civilians forcefully took hold of a firefighting hose and attempted to combat the fire themselves.
In a strongly worded statement, the GNFS explained that this interference occurred before the Electricity Company of Ghana had isolated power from the affected structure, thereby exposing the individuals to potential electrocution or further explosions.
“The Ghana National Fire Service strongly condemns this act of obstructing lawful duty, which is a punishable offense under Ghanaian law. Such behaviour is not only unlawful but extremely dangerous, as it exposes individuals to electrocution, secondary explosions, and potential fatalities”
GNFS
The Service stressed that this kind of interference is reckless, endangers the lives of both firefighters and the public, and severely undermines emergency operations.
The GNFS reiterated its appeal to the general public to cooperate fully with emergency services during such operations.
Fire scenes, the Service noted, are highly hazardous environments that must remain under the exclusive control of trained firefighting professionals. According to the agency, public compliance with fireground protocols is essential for saving lives and property.
“The GNFS remains committed to protecting lives and property from fires and related life-threatening incidents. We appeal to all citizens to support the GNFS by respecting fireground protocols and allowing firefighters to perform their lawful duties without obstruction”
GNFS
Threat to Public Safety
Desmond E. Ackah, Divisional Officer II and Head of Public Relations for the GNFS, condemned the civilians’ actions.
“It is deeply concerning that some civilians would endanger their own lives by obstructing firefighters in the line of duty. Such actions not only violate the law but also compromise public safety and hinder emergency response efforts. This dangerous behaviour on the part of civilians must STOP NOW!!”
GNFS
The GNFS has made clear that while it values community support and vigilance, firefighting must remain the responsibility of trained professionals. The Service urged media houses and the public to rely on verified updates from official sources to avoid the spread of misinformation, especially during emergencies.
As the Service continues to prioritize safety and emergency preparedness, incidents like these underline the ongoing need for public education on fire safety and the consequences of interference in professional operations.
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