Ghana Fire Service records 704 fire outbreaks nationwide between January-March 2012

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Thursday said statistics for the first quarter indicated that from January to March, 2012, the Service recorded 704 fire outbreaks nationwide.

The cost of damage nationwide amounted to GH¢1,470,369.50 with eleven people losing their lives within the three months.

This was contained in the Chief Fire Officer’s Easter Message which was signed by Assistant Divisional Officer II, Wilson Addo Korli in Accra.

It said the GNFS had noted with grave concern, the spate of fire and road accidents that occurred during Easter festivities and the unwitting damage to life and property and that of the 704 fire outbreaks domestic fires was the highest with 206 representing 36.93 per cent followed by bushfires, 153 representing 21.93 per cent.

The statement said “During the Easter holidays, we may attend churches and conventions and in the process leave our television sets, pressing irons, radios, fans and other gadgets that are not meant to stay on when they are not in use.  Carelessness and the euphoria behind the festive occasion may be a factor and these gadgets get over heated and could lead to fire outbreaks”.

It said the recent power outages has also been recognised as a major cause of some domestic fires and requested the general public to remember to switch off all electrical appliances when there is power outage and unplug them.

The GNFS appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to support fire volunteers who are the first liners of bushfire prevention to live up to their task.

The public is therefore requested to contact any fire station or call GNFS in the event of any fire emergency on 192.

Source: GNA