A report by the Ghana National Fire Service has disclosed that the Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire outbreaks from January to June this year in all 16 sixteen regions.
According to the Ghana National Fire Service, there were 708 cases reported in the region in the first half of the year alone.
This is followed by by the Ashanti Region with 661 cases, whereas the North East Region reported the fewest fire incidents in the year so far.
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The Ghana National Fire Service said the record high fire incidents in the region was caused majorly by electrical faults due to the misuse of electricity and appliances, gas leakages from improper use of LPG stoves and cylinders, indiscriminate burning of refuse and bushes, and the misuse of naked lights such as mosquito coils, candles, lighters, and matches.
Also, it said, lightning and deliberate acts are also significant contributors to the increase in fire incidents in the capital and across the country.
The Service added that there was a 3 percent increase in fire cases from January to June, which it attributed to harsh weather conditions and widespread noncompliance with basic fire safety protocols.
However, during the first half of the year, the Service noted that over GHS60 million worth of property were salvaged from fire destruction.
The Service pledged to partner with the National Road Safety Authority, and train more community fire volunteers to reduce the rising number of fire incidents.
The service also urged the the public to continue to adhere to the basic fire safety protocols to protect lives, property, and the environment.
To minimize the impact of fire outbreaks, community members are encouraged to call the Ghana National Fire Service on 112 / 192 / 0302 772446 / 0299 340383 for swift response.
