The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Ashanti Region has disclosed that it recorded a total of 656 fire disaster cases from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022.
The 2022 figure which is an increase of 101 cases over the 555 cases, which were recorded in 2021.
The Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO), Divisional Officer Three (DOIII), Peter Addai, , detailing the cases said in 2022, domestic fires recorded 431 cases, bushfires were 197 and industrial fire outbreaks were 28.
Out of these outbreaks, 15 people lost their lives.
DOIII Addai indicated that, the cost of damages for 2022 fire incidents was estimated at GH₵27,453,325.00.
These mishaps according to the PRO, were mainly due to the careless use of electricity and electrical appliances, unattended cooking, misuse of naked lights, fires emanating from gas leakages and indiscriminate burning of rubbish and bushes.
The GNFS had to battle with ageing fire tenders, inadequate resources, and attitude of some residents towards fire safety precautions.
Again, some districts that did not have fire stations have personnel traveling long distances to respond to fire calls, a situation which led to delays and extensive fire destructions.
DOIII Addai who made these revelations to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi on January 5, noted that, notwithstanding the challenges and depths of fire disasters, the GNFS was poised to intensify a regional fire safety educational campaign especially, house-to-house, and religious centers, adding that, the service had already activated regional Anti-Bush Fire Campaigns as the dry season sets in.