Lessons from the Chief Fire Officer on Rising Fire Outbreaks
The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of Ghana, Julius Kuunuor, has recently sounded the alarm over a rise in fire outbreaks nationwide, pinpointing human negligence as the main cause. Speaking at the launch of the 2024/2025 Bushfire Prevention Campaign, Kuunuor pointed out that these fires cause irreparable damage to lives, properties, and public resources.
A recent fire outbreak at Circle in Accra should serve as a wake-up call regarding the results of fires. The fire, which occurred on the night of 14th November 2024, destroyed over hundreds of structures and dislodged so many families and businesses. Preliminary investigations show that the fire was possibly due to poor electrical wiring and unsafe use of inflammable materials. Despite the GNFS responding promptly, the service was delayed in getting access to the fire hydrants and also had inadequate equipment to fight the fire to prevent its spread.
Common Causes of Fire Outbreaks
Many fire incidents in Ghana stem from preventable causes, including:
Improper electrical wiring:
Faulty or overloaded circuits are one of the major causes of residential and commercial fires.
Unsafe cooking practices:
Open flames and unattended stoves can easily erupt in fully blown fires.
Misuse of flammable materials:
Improper handling and storage of such things as fuel or gas cylinders create fire hazards.
These seemingly minor failures soar to become disastrous, claiming lives and causing damage to properties, with major economic setbacks for affected communities. The resulting strain on firefighting services and public resources only compounds the problem.
READ ALSO: Fire Incidents Increasing in Ghana: A Notice for Alertness and Action
Safety Precautions
CFO Kuunuor emphasized that fire safety starts with individual and community responsibility. Key measures include:
Regular inspection of electrical systems:
Ensuring wiring is up to standard reduces risks.
Fire extinguishers and safety training:
Homes, schools, and businesses should have fire extinguishers and train occupants in their use.
Safe cooking and storage practices:
Combustible materials are to be handled with care and stored securely.
The GNFS is also scaling up efforts in public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of fire safety regulations. For example, the ongoing Bushfire Prevention Campaign is aimed at educating communities on the dangers of careless practices during the dry season, which is a peak period for fire outbreaks.
Community Involvement is Key
While government programs and beefed-up firefighting equipment—like the newly acquired 19 pickup trucks and four command units—are a must, equally important is citizen involvement. Communities must adopt fire safety protocols, report hazards, and support community-based awareness in order to develop a culture of prevention.
A Call to Action
Fire is not an accident in most cases; it’s a preventable disaster. The warning by the Chief Fire Officer indicates that both the authorities and members of the public must act fast to reduce risks. What is your take on fire safety in Ghana? How can communities and individuals work together to reduce fire incidents? Share your views in the comments and help spread awareness by sharing this blog.
Source: Xtrememediaonline.com