The Obuasi Fire Command of the Ghana National Fire Service has organized a Press Soiree in Obuasi. The programme dubbed “FIRE AND OTHER RELATED EMERGENCY REPORTAGE- THE WAY FORWARD” was the first of its kind by the command in the Obuasi Municipality.
A representative of the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive who is also the Deputy Coordinating director of the Assembly; Mr. Anthony Buckner emphasized the relevance of the Fire Service in the District Assembly’s organogram as part of the Disaster Management with National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).
Mr. Buckner disclosed that, the Obuasi Municipal Assembly recognizes and appreciates the contribution of the Obuasi Fire Command in disaster management and prevention whiles he pledged the Assembly’s continuous support in their operations.
Addressing the gathering of media men, Members of the Security Services and officers from the Municipal Assembly, the Municipal Fire Commander D.O III Ben .O. Carlis- Paittoo said the purpose of the press conference was to basically share with News men few principles and ideals, as well as, some issues and challenges confronting the Fire Service in the course of their responsibilities, roles and tasks.
D.O III Paittoo revealed that Obuasi currently records an average of three (3) fire outbreaks every week. This, he said has caused considerable damage to life and properties in the Municipality.” This worrying situation is attributed to the delay in reporting fire outbreaks and people’s effort in quenching fires themselves”, he added.
Touching on Pre-Fire Risk assessment, D.O III Ben Carlis Paittoo said the salient aspect of the Legislative Instrument 1724; Fire precaution (premises) Regulation, 2003 which talks about the design, in qualitative terms a Fire Engineering Drawing which stipulates the type, number and location of installation cannot be under estimated.
He advocated for the acquisition of fire prevention equipment- extinguishers, smoke alarms including well established and design escape exits by property owners which he posited could reduce the impact of fire outbreaks to the barest minimum.
Media men were advised to be circumspect in reporting fire incidences and outbreaks in order not to raise tensions and cause fear and panic among the public.
The Obuasi Fire command took participants at the press soiree through a practical display and exposure to their Fire tender and its contents to crown the day.
……………SIGNED………………..
(SAMPSON MANU)
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
THE REGIONAL INFORMATION OFFICER
INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
KUMASI
CC: The Ag. Director Information
Services Department
Accra.
The Municipal Chief Executive
Obuasi Municipal Assembly
Obuasi.
.