The Northern Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has announced a substantial decrease in fire outbreaks and property damage in the region for the year 2023.
According to a statement signed by Mr. James Ankrah, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade One (ACFO I), the region experienced a 20.20% reduction in fire incidents from January 01, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
In 2023, there were 312 recorded fire outbreaks, resulting in an estimated cost of damage exceeding Gh¢12.19 million.
This marks a notable improvement from the 391 fires recorded in 2022, with an estimated damage cost of Gh¢7.42 million.
The statement further outlined the breakdown of fire incidents, revealing 146 domestic cases, 40 electrical cases, 35 commercial cases, 25 vehicular cases, 29 bushfires, 20 institutional cases, and 14 in other categories.
The primary causes identified included electrical faults, gas leakages, unattended cooking, and deliberate acts, among others.
Despite the reduction, the Command expressed concern about a recurring trend of fires affecting uncompleted buildings, especially in new settlements, which continued to pose a threat.
The GNFS attributed the decline in fire incidents to the success of its extensive fire safety education and sensitization campaigns conducted through various media channels and public spaces.
The statement highlighted the importance of property owners clearing their surroundings and adhering to precautionary measures to prevent avoidable fires.
The statement emphasized the Command's commitment to further reducing fire rates through continuous and intensified public safety education, seeking the support of the public in this endeavor.
