By Nathaniel Nartey
The Ghana National Fire Service has formed two different task forces to monitor and enforce fire safety measures in markets and other public places. To the end, the Service is to recall all personnel who are currently on leave to assist in its activities during the festive period, to prevent fire outbreaks especially as the Harmattan kicks in early.
Currently about 4, 600 fire outbreaks have been recorded in 2021. The figure which reflects January to November includes 21 deaths with at least 60 injuries of various degrees during the period. Mr. Ofosu Affum, Public Relations Officer of the Fire Service told Nathaniel Nartey that all regional Commanders have been directed to ensure that all fire tenders are in commission. He said these are part of proactive measures being put in place by the Ghana National Fire Service to avert fire outbreaks during the Harmattan Season.
”We have formed 2 different task forces, one is to go to public places of gathering and theirs is to ensure that the fire premises regulations are enforced. There is another task force whose main responsibility is to visit the market. Theirs is to ensure that measures are put in place in the major markets so that we don’t record fire outbreaks…..as for the fires, they will come but the rate at which they come is what we want to prevent. Because some of the fires are avoidable and these are the ones we are focused on.”
Mr Ofosu Affum advised the public on the proper way to handle fire during the period to avoid outbreaks.
”Around this time, because of the Harmattan, every combustible material has become dried. The Harmattan takes away the moisture in every combustible material therefore the slightest heat will result in fire outbreaks so we advise that people should be extra careful when handling fire during this period.
