Ghana experienced over 2,764 fire incidents in the first four months of 2024, which is an increase compared to the same period in 2023 when 2,683 fires were reported.
Of the total fire incidents reported, 1,985 were extinguished by fire personnel, while the public put out 779 upon arrival at the scene.
During this period, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) dealt with 176 road traffic accidents, 747 injuries, and 92 deaths and also responded to 52 distress calls for rescue.
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Julius A. Kuunuor said this at a ceremony to mark the 2024 International Firefighters Day which had the theme: “The Contribution of the Firefighter to Safety, National Security and Sustainable Development.”
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“The fires were caused by various factors, including gas leaks, misuse of electricity and electrical devices, reckless handling of naked flames such as lit candles, lighters, matches, and mosquito coils, as well as indiscriminate refuse and bush-burning, and malfunctioning cooking appliances,” he said.
He said the GNFS was shifting from its current firefighting mindset to one that was more focused on meeting the demands of its preventative goals.
To ensure the success of the new initiative, Kuunuor said regional, metropolitan, municipal, and district commands were currently embarking on house-to-house as well as radio and television education programs on fire safety precaution campaigns nationwide.
“Ghanaians should prioritize their safety, remain vigilant, and get training on how to effectively put out fires in their initial stages with portable fire extinguishers and other first aid equipment”, Kuunuor said.
International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is marked annually on May 4. It is a time when the global community acknowledges and appreciates the sacrifices that firefighters make to keep their communities and the environment safe.
