Central Region records 260 fire outbreaks in 2011

The Central Regional Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) recorded 260 fire outbreaks from January to November in 2011 against 244 in 2010.

Out of the figure, 48 vehicular fires were recorded last year against 47 in 2010 with 30 electrical fires for 2011 against 45 in the previous year. Two   institutional fires were recorded against five with industrial fires recording two each.

The Public Relations Officer of the Central Regional GNFS Assistant Divisional Officer II (ADOII) Samuel Arthur told the GNA in an interview in Cape Coast that 81 domestic fires were recorded last year as against 91 in 2010 with others recording 27 cases.

ADOII Arthur said his outfit recorded 70 bushfires last year whiles 31 cases were recorded in 2010 and expressed concern that despite the numerous educational programmes organized by the service there was still an increase in both bush and domestic firers in the region.

ADOII Arthur lauded industries for keeping fire records on the low, two for both years, and said institutions like hotels, schools and hospitals were keeping up with fire management.

Divisional Officer III (DOIII) Bernard Haggis-Amos, officer in charge of logistics, attributed most fires   at the market to women who cooked in their shops, as well as people who engaged the services of unqualified electricians.

He Amos appealed to DCEs, chiefs and all stakeholders to help in the campaign against fire adding that they should step up their   rural education programs on fire management to help curb fire disasters.

Source: GNA