Fire guts shops at Zongo Lane
Fire yesterday ravaged some shops at Zongo Lane, a busy commercial area in the Central Business District in Accra, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
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The blaze, which reportedly began in a small shop, rapidly spread to other shops, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and reducing clothing, electronics and other goods in those shops to ashes.
Firefighters arrived promptly at the scene, and after a prolonged struggle, managed to bring the flames under control.
However, the extent of the damage is substantial, with multiple shops completely destroyed.
The cause of the fire is unknown but the Ghana National Fire Service has launched an investigation into the incident.
From initial reports, the fire began at a small shop at about 9:40am, but due to the combustible nature of the items in the shop, it quickly engulfed other shops, including the wooden tailoring shops behind the affected building.
As the smoke cleared, the full extent of the damage became apparent, several shops had been destroyed, with leather materials, home appliances, mattresses and other items reduced to ruins.
When the Daily Graphic visited the scene of the fire incident, the fire had been confined, but not entirely extinguished and the destruction it had left in its trail was evident.
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Some of the affected shop owners were seen around trying to come to terms with their predicament.
The incident attracted the Chief Fire Officer, Julius A. Kuunuor; the Greater Accra Regional Commander, and the Director of Operations who were all on hand to supervise the exercise.
Also present at the scene were the police who were there to maintain order and to prevent looting at the scene.
Operation
The Deputy National Public Relations Officers (PRO) of the GNFS, Divisional Officer III (DO III), Desmond Essoun Ackah, briefing the Daily Graphic, stated that though firemen arrived on time after the distress call at about 10am, it was quite a challenge bringing the fire under control immediately.
He said the team from Ministry Fire Station were the first to arrive at 10.16am.
He said the team faced significant challenges in extinguishing the fire, which was exacerbated by the explosion of gas cylinders and generators, leading to a rapid escalation of the blaze.
They, therefore, had to call the rescue team which also arrived in no time, and they had to deploy 10 fire appliances to help contain the fire.
He further indicated that 10 fire appliances including a Turnable Ladder were used in the operation.
“Despite challenges accessing the locked shops, warehouses, heavy fuel load and closeness of the structures, our men were able to successfully confine the fire and no injuries were recorded.
DO III Ackah said the team would continue to work until the fire had been completely extinguished.
CBD’s fire incidents
Accra’s CBD has been at the receiving end of fire outbreaks in recent times.
In October last year, fire gutted over 200 shops and makeshift structures at the Makola Shopping Mall in Accra, forcing authorities to temporarily close down the Mall to enhance proper assessment of the situation.
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Also on Monday, April 25, 2022 fire gutted a building with merchandise at the Opera Square
Again in 2021, a fire incident was recorded at the Makola Market in Accra, a month after a similar incident was recorded within the CBD.