Fires are deadly occurrences with devastating effects on homes, families and communities; such as loss of lives and property. Ghana recorded a total of 4,623 fire outbreaks, from January to October 2019, of which 608 were bushfires and 39.63% were household fires. 5,355 fire outbreaks were reported between January and October 2020, with higher numbers during the COVID-19 lockdown hours when most families were at home. Of these, 35.67% were domestic fires, while 1,220 were bushfires. For the first week of January only this year, the Ghana National Fire Service has recorded more than 191 fire outbreaks which is very alarming. The cause of fire outbreaks is not known in some cases, while others have known causes.
The Ghana National Fire Service attributes the rise of fire incidents in the country to factors such as population growth and industrialization, unstable electricity, urbanization, negligence, and illegal electrical connection.
At the Hohoe central market in the Volta Region of Ghana, several shops were gutted by fire on early Sunday morning. Some residents of the area recounted that the fire had started at a fufu mill shop at 4:30 am and spread to other shops close by. Other major markets across the country including Accra Makola Market and Kumasi Central Market have also been ravaged by fire outbreaks in the past.
The Ghana National Fire Service’s fire tenders in Hohoe reportedly broke down when a call was made to the service, rendering attempts by the residents to put out the fire ineffective. The cause of the fire, however, is uncertain.
I can imagine the plight of the shop owners as they have lost their properties and their livelihoods. With the current economic crisis in the country, the effects of the fire on these families will be twice-felt. Some of these traders have borrowed money to run their businesses. Now that they have lost their goods, how will they pay their creditors?
Although fires have been an age-old phenomenon in our country, measures must be implemented by the government through the Ghana National Fire Service to help curb the rise of fire outbreaks in the country.
Sensitization: The GNFS should roll out more programmes and campaigns to sensitize the public on the cause of fire outbreaks, their prevention and how to manage fires. Homes, drivers, market women, industrial workers and institutions should be well-educated on how to prevent fires.
Proper Planning: Our cities must be well planned to provide easy access of fire tenders to fire scenes to quench the fire. Markets and other commercial places should be situated close to fire stations for the timely salvaging of fire incidents.
Adequate Resourcing: The government must equip the Ghana National Fire Service with sufficient personnel and equipment to fight fires when they break out. Too many times we have heard that fire tenders broke down on their way to the fire scene or that there was no water in the tender on arrival at the scene. This must end!
It is our collective responsibility to help stop fire outbreaks in the country. We must all be responsible in our daily activities and also adhere to the cautions of the GNFS.
Priscilla Fumadorh
Priscilla is an entrepreneur and a creative communicator who loves to communicate through writing. She is passionate about national economic issues and does not miss a chance to offer her opinions on them for the good of the country.