GNFS educates public on fire safety

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has so far recorded 85 fire outbreaks in the Upper West Region, from January and April this year.

The cost of the fires stood at one GH? 1 million, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO), Augustine Gomez made this known after an inspection parade of personnel of the service to mark this year’s “Fire Safety Week” in Wa on Monday.

The week, which is an annual event, is to draw the attention of the public on the need to embrace the concept of fire safety and prevention as a critical tool for national development.

It was on the theme: “Ensuring Fire Safety for National Development.”

He attributed most the fires in the area to bush burning and windy weather which spread the flames to other properties.

ACFO Gomez said the region recorded 188 fire outbreaks in 2013 and 200 in 2014 and promised to work to reduce the number this year.

He said the GNFS would intensify its public fire safety education campaign with the ultimate aim of reaching out to as many people as possible to help reduce the incidence of fires in the communities.

ACFO Gomez who is also the Regional Commander of the GNFS, said as part of efforts to prevent and reduce the incidence and impact of preventable fire outbreaks in Ghana, the service has lined up series of public education and other sensitisation initiatives.

He said the initiatives are aimed to educate the citizenry on the need to adopt, practice and adhere to basic fire safety practices, precautions and interventions.

As part of activities lined up for the week, personnel of the GNFS marched through the principal streets in Wa carrying placards, some of which read: “Fire prevention is better than fire fighting,” “Fire safety is a shared responsibility,” “Avoid over loading of sockets,” and “Switch off all electrical gadgets.”

There would also be a fire safety education at the ministries on the hazards of fire and the proper use of fire extinguishers, fire safety demonstration at the Wa Central Market among others.