Fire guts Job 600 storeroom

The timely intervention of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) quenched a fire in a storage room on the second floor of the Job 600 building complex yesterday morning.

The outbreak, which occurred around 9:45 a.m. yesterday, compelled staff and some Members of Parliament present to rush out of their offices to the assembly point between the administration block and Job 600.

However, personnel from the GNFS, who arrived around 10 a.m., did well to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to the unaffected areas. It took the firefighters about an hour to bring the situation under control.

Challenges

Addressing the press after the incident, the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of the GNFS, Julius A. Kuunuor, said the major challenge his men faced was access to water.

He said although there was a fire hydrant located within the premises, the pressure was low so he had to quickly call two appliances from the headquarters to supply water.

Additionally, he said the fire area was very smoky, hence the fighters had to use a breathing apparatus.

Investigations

Asked about the cause of the fire, he said: “We are yet to know the cause of the fire, but investigations have begun and we'll come out with the cause of the fire in due course.”

“If we know what caused the fire, then it will be after our investigations. But at the moment, the situation is very calm so everybody should keep their hearts at rest,” he added.

“You can never predict when a fire will occur; anything can happen and that's why you have to be always prepared.  

“We have a fire tender station on the premises but it has developed some fault and is currently undergoing servicing and will return within a week. Fortunately, we have stations around to cover the place so there's no problem,” Mr Kuunuor said.

He added that although the fire was on the second floor, the service was equipped with advanced appliances which enabled the firefighters to reach the floor.

“Fortunately, the service has two hydraulic platforms that can even go to the 16th and 17th floors,” he said.