As part of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS)’s activities to mark this year’s Fire Safety Week, officials conducted a fire safety sensitization session at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Ghana (E.P.C.G), Bolgatanga, on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The event aimed to raise awareness about fire prevention and management, focusing on educating the congregation on how to handle fire emergencies effectively.
Speaking to the congregation, Station Officer (S.O.) 2 Atanga Eric emphasized the importance of understanding the three components that fuel a fire—fuel, heat, and oxygen—and provided practical tips to minimize fire risks. Regarding vehicle fires, he advised that if water is unavailable, individuals should avoid attempting to open the door and should immediately contact the fire service instead. S.O. 2 Atanga also highlighted that many fire incidents tend to occur on Sundays, making it especially important for communities to be proactive about safety on this day.
He recommended that after cooking, individuals should always switch off the gas cylinder before turning off the burner to prevent potential fire hazards. “After cooking, go to the cylinder and switch it off first before turning off the burner. When you do it that way, you are safe, and your property is safe.”
Additionally, in the event of a fire outbreak in a room, S.O. 2 Atanga demonstrated the correct way to escape—by crawling low to the ground—and emphasized assisting others to safety if possible. Addressing fire safety in emergency situations, he explained the proper response when clothing catches fire. He warned that running, tearing off clothes, or pouring water on them could worsen the situation. Instead, the safest action is to lie flat on the ground to cut off the oxygen supply, which helps extinguish the flames. “In case of a fire outbreak and your attire catches fire, do not run. Do not remove your dress over your head. Don’t tear the clothes, and don’t pour water.”
S.O. 2 Atanga further stressed the importance of taking fire safety education seriously and working together to reduce fire incidents in the community. He also noted the challenges currently faced by the fire service, including the need for repairs to the region’s fleet of fire tenders. While about 16 fire tenders are stationed in the region, he mentioned that some are currently out of service, though efforts are underway to restore them to full operation.
He urged individuals to help minimize fire outbreaks and emphasized the importance of having emergency contact numbers for the fire service and ambulance readily available. “The fire service and ambulance numbers are very important for all of us to have.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
