- Ashanti Fire Service overwhelmed by prank calls
- Prank calls hinder response to real emergencies
- Public urged to call 0505001415 for fire emergencies
The control room of the Ashanti Regional Fire Service is grappling with an increasing volume of prank calls, which are hindering its ability to respond effectively to genuine emergencies.
The Service reports receiving at least one hundred prank calls every hour, many of which come with insults and mocking remarks. These calls make it difficult for the service to distinguish between real distress situations and hoaxes, leading to delays in response times.
In an interview with Adom News, Control Room Commander ADO Win Ackah Faneuil expressed concern about the impact of these prank calls on the Fire Service’s operations. She urged the public to stop making such calls, which she said “impede the speed of response” and make it harder to identify actual emergencies.
“Sometimes they call, and it’s all insults. You wouldn’t know where the real emergency situation is coming from, so please desist from that practice to help us fight all fire situations, especially this dry season,” ADO Faneuil pleaded.
She also advised the public to take preventive measures to avoid fire outbreaks. “Don’t burn refuse in your homes; take it to the zoos and lions to prevent fire outbreaks,” she recommended. She further cautioned people not to overload electrical sockets, and reminded them to switch off appliances when leaving home. “Don’t put stones on the cylinder,” she added, emphasizing safety during the dry season.
To ensure faster response to genuine emergencies, ADO Faneuil also provided the public with the correct emergency contact number for the Ashanti Region. “Most people complain that they have been calling the fire service but received no response; most of us do not know the lines. For fire emergencies in the Ashanti region, call 0505001415,” she announced.
