54 fire cases reported in Western Region this year

The Western Regional Commander of Ghana National Fire Service, Mr Obeng Dankwa Dwamena says 54 fire cases have been reported in the region in January compared to 36 in the same period last year.

He described the situation as alarming, thus compelling the Service to intensify fire safety education across the region to curb the menace.

Mr Dwamena made the disclosure at Fijai on Wednesday when the national taskforce on bush fires visited the regional headquarters to begin a three-day sensitisation campaign.

He said the Region recorded a total of 402 fire cases last year with an estimated cost of damage at GH? 958, 931.00.

He said 46 bush fires were recorded, 161 domestic, 25 industrial, 58 vehicular, 56 commercial and three institutional fires.

Mr Dwamena noted that although the fire incidents are increasing the Service had not relented on its efforts on safety campaigns in the Region and the fire taskforce is working hard to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

He said the national taskforce on bush fires had visited the Region to augment the efforts of the Regional Command in creating and sustaining awareness on fire safety to save lives, the environment and property.

He said the ban on hunting wildlife is still in force and warned the public to be circumspect with fires.

The Regional Fire Commander advised cigarette smokers to extinguish their leftovers before throwing them away and those who burn their farms to be careful so that the faggots and burning of weeds did not cause widespread fire.

He said 1,126 fire volunteers have been constituted in the various districts in the Region to support the Service to educate the populace on fire safety.