Getting water for markets fire wasn’t easy – Chief Fire Officer reveals

Despite the timely intervention of personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in responding to the recent fire outbreaks that ravaged two markets in Kumasi in three days within the Kumasi Metrpolis, accessing water became a challenge for personnel, MyNewsGh.com reports.

Officials have explained to the media that GNFS personnel have had to go through the pain of looking for serviceable hydrants in the markets particularly the Asafo market before being able put the fire under control due to illegal activities of some traders.

“All the fire hydrants were covered with tables and containers by the traders”, Ghana’s Chief Fire Officer, Edwin Ekow Blankson revealed when he toured both facilities.

This according to him, jeopardized the activities of the fire service as fire personnel were compelled to go longer distances before coming by serviceable fire hydrants to get water in order to douse the inferno.

Background

Two separate fire incidents at the Asafo Market which occurred just a day after a similar one at the Kumasi Central Market, swept through a number of shops including hair dressing salons, jewelry shops, leather shops among others were heavily affected.

Another inferno on Easter Monday, also razed a building at the Grace Chapel of the Calvary Charismatic Centre in Kumasi.

Ashanti Regional Security Council meeting was held following the incident pointing to suspected arson attacks.

Meanwhile, a three-member committee has been set to investigate the r fire outbreaks as the committee will ascertain the sources and causes.