The Ashanti region has witnessed a significant rise in fire incidents, with 1,040 fire cases reported since the start of 2024.
This marks a 12% increase compared to the 928 cases recorded in 2023.
Regional Fire Commander Peter Tetteh, has attributed the surge in fire incidents to various factors, including climate change, human negligence, ignorance, and a general disregard for fire safety practices.
He emphasized that many of these fires could have been avoided with better preventive measures.
“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 noted.
In response to the rising cases, the Regional Fire Service is ramping up efforts to educate the public during the dry season, a time when fire risks are elevated.
Key measures include educating citizens on the safe use of electrical appliances, the importance of installing fire extinguishers, and using smoke detectors.
The Regional Fire Commander also highlighted the damaging effects of bushfires, which he described as a significant problem affecting the environment, agriculture, and local livelihoods.
“Bushfires affect vegetation, plants, and animal species, which deepens the poverty levels of people, especially farmers,” Tetteh stated.
As part of their efforts, the Fire Service has deployed trained volunteers to remote areas to help prevent and manage bushfires.
In addition, Tetteh urged the public to show more support for fire officers, particularly in times of crisis.
He pointed out that fire service personnel are often met with hostility, despite their efforts to manage fire situations.
“They need to understand that fire service is there for you. When you call on us, we come. Fire service does not cause the fire outbreak, so reasonably, why should you attack us?” he questioned.
Tetteh called on the public to cooperate with firefighters to ensure better management of fire outbreaks and prevent further losses.