The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Upper East Region has heightened its fire safety campaigns, focusing on high-risk areas and coammunity education to prevent fire outbreaks. S.O.1 Emmanuel Cabo of the GNFS Regional Education Unit revealed that the unit has been proactive in implementing outreach programs aimed at reducing fire incidents, which remain a pressing issue in the region.
“Every year, we have a plan for how we are going to carry out our activities,” he stated.
Targeting High-Risk Zones
In an interview on A1 Radio, D.O.1 Emmanuel Cabo outlined the GNFS’s focus on markets, roadside shops, and residential areas as part of its annual fire safety campaign. Recent initiatives included community-based fire education in Gambibgo, Zaare, Soe, and other locations. These efforts involved door-to-door visits where residents received practical fire prevention tips and advice on managing fire emergencies.
“The recent one was at Gambibgo, but we also visited Zaare, Soe, and the Zongo area. We went door-to-door to share basic fire prevention tips and explain what to do if a fire gets out of hand,” Cabo explained.
Causes of Fire Outbreaks
Fire outbreaks in the region are primarily caused by carelessness, accidents, electrical faults, and ignorance, according to Cabo. Electrical fires and gas-related incidents are particularly prevalent. He noted that electrical fires often result from power outages, power fluctuations, broken insulation, and electrical arcing.
“The main causes of fire outbreaks include carelessness, accidents, electrical arcing, and ignorance,” he said. “Across the country, most fire incidents are linked to electricity or gas. These are the two main challenges we are dealing with as a department.”
Fire Prevention Tips
Cabo advised the public to adopt simple yet effective fire safety measures, such as turning off all electrical devices when leaving the house to prevent fires caused by power surges during restoration after outages. He also warned against storing flammable materials like rubber near electrical points, as they can easily ignite due to heat or sparks.
“When you’re going out, make sure you turn off all electrical gadgets. If there’s a power outage and electricity is restored while devices are left on, it can cause a fire,” he cautioned. “Avoid accumulating rubber or flammable materials near electrical points, as sparks or heat can trigger fires.”
Importance of Qualified Electricians
Cabo also emphasized the need to hire qualified electricians for electrical work to ensure installations are performed safely and correctly, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
Through these intensified efforts, the GNFS in the Upper East Region aims to significantly reduce fire outbreaks while enhancing community awareness about fire safety practices.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
