Fire Service activates protective measures against market fire outbreaks

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has announced comprehensive measures to protect markets across the country from fire outbreaks with the deployment of personnel and fire appliances to provide 24-hour fire cover.

With immediate effect,GNFS personnel and equipment will be stationed at markets nationwide from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, ensuring round-the-clock fire surveillance.

In addition, a dedicated task force will patrol the markets daily to maintain constant vigilance and respond swiftly to any fire emergencies.

To further enhance safety, fire units or posts will be established in key markets to conduct fire safety education, regular inspections and enforce compliance with fire safety protocols.

The measures were outlined in a press statement issued yesterday by the GNFS and signed by the Head of Public Relations, Divisional Officer Two (DO II) Desmond E. Ackah. 

Statement

The statement indicated that the GNFS personnel assigned to market protection duties would submit daily Situation Reports (SITREPS) to the national headquarters operations platform at 9 a.m. for review and follow-up action.

It said the GNFS would also collaborate closely with market authorities, the Ghana Police Service and National Security to ensure effective surveillance, quick responses and the prevention of fire outbreaks in markets across the country.

“These precautionary measures are part of a broader strategy to mitigate the risk of fire incidents in our markets,” the statement said.

It further called on market authorities, traders and the general public to cooperate fully with the initiative to ensure its success.

The country has witnessed a disturbing increase in fire outbreaks since the beginning of this year, causing significant loss of property and disruptions to livelihoods.

One of the most notable fire disasters occurred at the Kantamanto Market on January 2, which claimed one life, injured 14 people and left over 30,000 traders affected, with more than 7,000 shops reduced to ashes.

A similar incident occurred at the Techiman Central Market, one of the biggest markets in the West African sub-region, destroying about 700 shops containing goods worth millions of cedis.