By Michael Kofi Kenetey
Fire outbreaks in the Eastern region have seen a drastic reduction in cases as regional statistics have shown that 98 fire incidents were recorded from January till date this year as compared to 172 recorded in January and February last year.
This is a result of extensive and copious education by the Eastern Regional Directorate of the Ghana National Fire Service, GNFS.
In an interview with the Assistant Division Officer, in charge of Safety and Education in the Eastern Region, ADO2, Frederick Duodu Asamoah, he noted that it is dangerous for humanity to underrate or ignore fires hence it is imperative for everyone to be cautious and careful when using fire.
ADO2 Duodu Asamoah added that it is his outfit’s duty to always educate the public on fire safety therefore the extensive fire education and awareness creation on the effects of fire.
He noted however that it is the responsibility of the public to be careful when using fire in their homes and on their farms. He attributed most of domestic fire outbreaks to electrical faults and gadgets in homes and offices.
ADO2 Duodu Asamoah refuted the claims that the Service lacks the needed equipment and accoutrements in fighting fire when there is an outbreak adding that the service is fully prepared and ready 24/7 in terms of human resource and equipment when called upon.
The Officer-in-charge of Rural Fires Department at the Regional Office of the Ghana National Fire Service, ADO2 Samuel Penti speaking on “GBC Sunrise FM Development Agenda” noted that most of the fire outbreaks in the rural areas are as a result of bushfires.
He therefore advised farmers and hunters who use fires in their activities to put off their fires appropriately when they are done using it.
The Station Officer at the Regional Safety Department, STNO1, Richard Korankye advised the public to be careful when using candles when there is light out and also be extremely careful when using mosquito coils as they can be the cause of most domestic fire outbreaks.