Winneba, May 5, GNA – The Central Region recorded a total of 31 fire outbreak cases at the end of the first quarter of 2011 as compared to 113 recorded over the same period last year. Mr Ankonam Kwesi Quayson, Central Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Service, announced this when he addressed a conference of District, Municipal and Metropolitan Commanders of the Service from the Central Region at Winneba.
He said last year, the region recorded a total of 232 fire out breaks between January and November 2010 and explained that 84 were domestic related, two industrial, 45 vehicular, five installation, 43 electrical, 21 refuse dump 30 bushfires and three commercial. Commander Quayson attributed the reduction in fire outbreaks in the first quarter of this year to the hard work and dedication of fire personnel in the region.
He said the GHFS has a mission and strategic objectives to ensure drastic fire reduction in the region in the years ahead. He noted that the Safety Department of Regional Fire Command before reaching this point, organized safety programmes throughout the region and urged owners of shops, stores, companies and others to acquire fire certificates to ensure safety. The Commander said the Rural Fire Department also organized training for fire volunteers at Agona Nyakrom in the Agona West Municipality and Benso in the Gomoa East District to help prevent fire breaks.
He mentioned inadequate personnel and training for officers as some of the problems facing the Region and therefore appealed to the government and NGOs to go to their aid. Mr Alfred Akwasi Acheampong, Effutu Municipal Fire Commander, said intensive education on Safety and Prevention had resulted in the reduction of fire outbreaks in the area and appealed to the Regional Command to ensure adequate supply of logistics and equipment. 05 May 11
