Fire destroys GH¢82m worth of property in 10 months

Property costing about GHȼ82,165,189.00 were ravaged by fire in the Ashanti Region within a space of 10 months – January to October, this year.

The Regional Fire Officer, Semekor Fiadzo, who announced this said, there were also 41 fatalities in the 1,205 fire incidents recorded during the period.

He described the situation as deeply troubling and vowed to go the extra mile to ensure that there was a sharp decline of fire disasters in the region.

Ashanti had in the previous year reported a total of 903 fire cases with 28 deaths and property valued at about GHȼ9,420,737.00 lost.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Fiadzo said they had targeted to reduce fire outbreaks by 60 per cent.

He was speaking at a day’s seminar organized by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) for selected journalists in Kumasi.

Held under the theme “Fire safety, a shared responsibility” it was part of the effort to help the media to put a spotlight on fire safety.

The participants were taken through fire-fighting drills and the correct use of the fire extinguisher.

DCFO Fiadzo underlined the need for everybody to heed fire safety education and avoid reckless handling of naked fire.

They should not overload electrical sockets, switch off and unplug any electrical appliances when not in use, he added.  

He spoke of the setting up of task force to inspect the various markets in the region to check illegal electricity connection and other fire hazards.

Source: GNA