The Ashanti Region has recorded a total of 1,040 fire cases since the start of 2024, marking a 12% increase compared to the 928 cases reported in the previous year.
Peter Tetteh, the Regional Fire Commander, attributed the rise in fire incidents to several factors, including climate change, public negligence, ignorance, and a persistent disregard for fire safety measures. He emphasized that many of these fires could have been prevented with better awareness and precautionary actions.
“If you check the causes of these fire cases, it could be something they could have prevented, so we encourage people to prevent fires rather than managing them,” Tetteh said.
To address the growing fire risks, the regional fire department is intensifying its campaigns, particularly during the dry season. These efforts include educating the public about fire safety, proper use of electrical sockets, the importance of installing fire extinguishers, and setting up smoke detectors.
In an interview with Joynews, Mr. Tetteh also highlighted the widespread problem of bushfires, which he described as a significant concern for the region and the nation. Bushfires not only threaten vegetation, plants, and wildlife but also exacerbate poverty, particularly for farmers who rely on these resources.
“We have trained volunteers and dispatched them to the remote areas in the region to prevent and manage undesired fires. We will continue to motivate them in whatever they do to ensure that the dry season is well managed,” he said.
ACFO2 Peter Tetteh further called on the public to refrain from attacking fire officers while they are performing their duties. He explained that fire service personnel are there to assist in emergencies and should not be blamed for situations beyond their control.
“They need to understand that fire service is there for you, and therefore when you are in need and you call on us, we come. Mostly, what people don’t understand is that they think fire service is closer to them, but fire service is not too close to them,” Tetteh remarked.
He explained that if one fire tender is unavailable, they rely on nearby stations for support. He urged the public to recognize that the fire service does not cause fire outbreaks and should be welcomed, not attacked, when they arrive to manage the situation.
