Fire outbreaks in 2014 declines

A survey conducted by Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has revealed a decline in fire outbreaks across the country in 2014 compared to 2013 figures.

Statistics from the Service revealed that a total of 3783 cases of fire outbreaks were recorded in 2014 in the country as against 4171 cases recorded in 2013, representing a decrease of 388 cases.

On a Regional basis, the statistics showed that there were considerable declines in most of the regions. The Ashanti Region recorded 646 in 2014 as against 836 in 2013, Brong Ahafo registered 382 in 2014 compare with 553 in 2013, while Central Region recorded 320 cases in 2014 down from 405 in 2013.

However, the Greater Accra leads the highest fire outbreaks with 857 in 2014 up from 547 reported cases in 2013.

Dr Albert Brown Gaizie, Chief Fire Officer of GNFS, disclosed this in Accra on Monday at a news briefing on the Harmattan season and recent upsurge in fire outbreaks.

Out of the total of 3,783 cases of fire outbreaks recorded in 2014, 869 persons were reported to be injured and 202 reported dead.

More than 1,620 cases were domestic fire outbreaks, 89 industrial cases and 512 vehicular fire outbreaks.

Dr Gaizie said the service had implemented various measures such as market patrol teams, where personnel are deployed to all the markets to educate the traders and ensure fire safety as well as protect lives and property.

He added that the service would establish a rapid deployment force to be the first response to any unforeseen fire outbreaks since some of the incidences requires rapid response and extrication.

Dr Gaizie said the Service would organise an open forum to interact with the public on its operations for them to be educated on its functions.

He mentioned blatant disregard for basic fire safety rules, overloading of electrical sockets, improper and careless usage of LPG Gas, improper handling of hydrocarbons and flammable liquids among others as the causes of fire outbreaks.

Dr Gaizie urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and other organisations to review their fire safety audit to ensure strict adherence to fire safety regulations as recommended by the GNFS in fulfillment of fire protection Regulation L11724 of 2013.

He appealed to industries to employ the services of fire safety officers to ensure safety on their premises at all time.

Dr Gaizie enumerated inadequate water hydrants, unauthorised electrical connections, and inadequate number of fire station in newly developing communities as some of the challenges facing the Service and called for government support.