Central Region Sees 16.5% Rise in Fire Incidents in 2023, Maintains Zero Fatalities
In 2023, Ghana's Central Region experienced a notable increase in fire incidents, recording 664 cases compared to 570 in 2022. This 16.5% rise, as reported by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), highlights a growing concern for fire safety in the region.
Breakdown of Fire Incidents
The surge in fire cases is attributed to several factors:
Bushfires: Incidents rose from 114 in 2022 to 159 in 2023, primarily due to activities by farmers and hunters.
Domestic Fires: There was an increase from 195 cases in 2022 to 234 in 2023. Many of these incidents resulted from electrical faults linked to substandard wiring and accidents involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Commercial Fires: Some of these fires were caused by the burning of rubbish.
Positive Developments
Despite the overall increase, certain areas saw improvements:
Institutional Fires: Fires in institutions such as schools and markets decreased by approximately 20%, dropping from 35 cases in 2022 to 25 in 2023.
Vehicular Fires: A slight reduction was observed, with cases decreasing from 62 in 2022 to 60 in 2023.
Safety Measures and Public Responsibility
The GNFS emphasizes the importance of preventive measures to curb the rising trend of fire incidents. DOIII Abdul Wasiu Hudu, the Regional Public Relations Officer, highlighted the necessity for vehicle owners to equip their cars with fire extinguishers, stating, "Every vehicle should have a fire extinguisher because it is more important than any part of the vehicle."
Additionally, the GNFS addressed the issue of prank calls, which totaled 34 in 2023. Such calls divert resources and attention from genuine emergencies. The public is urged to act responsibly and adhere to fire safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all residents.
Challenges and Appeals
One of the significant challenges faced by the GNFS is the extended distances covered to respond to distress calls, which can delay response times and exacerbate fire situations. To address this, the Service has appealed for the establishment of more fire stations across the region to enhance their capacity to protect lives and property effectively.
Conclusion
The increase in fire incidents in the Central Region underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and adherence to fire safety measures. While the absence of fatalities in 2023 is commendable, the rising number of incidents calls for collective action from both the public and authorities to prevent future occurrences.
For more updates on fire safety and related news, follow the Ghana National Fire Service's official communications.
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