Law on bush fire under review
Farmers, and hunters often set fires to clear their farms or hunt for game and in the process start big fires that end up destroying lives and property.
The current law which prescribes punishment for people who deliberately cause bush fires is being reviewed to mete out stiffer punishment to such offenders in an effort to curb the number of preventable fires across the country.
The Bushfire Prevention Law (PNDC LAW 226) which prescribes a fine of between GH¢2.00 and GH¢10.00 for perpetrators is considered by many people as not deterrent enough.
The acting Head of Public Relations of the Ghana National Fire Service(GNFS), Divisional Officer Grade II, Mr Timothy Osafo-Affum, made this known at a press soiree in Accra.
In the wake of the rampant fire cases recorded this year, Mr Osafo-Affum called for concerted efforts by the general public to help fight the fires.
“The public has a bigger role to play. This is because they are closer to the ‘fire flash points’ across the country than the fire personnel,” he stated.
Statistics
Mr Osafo-Affum also said from January 1 to 10, 2016, 51 fire cases were recorded in the Greater Accra Region.
Statistics provided by the GNFS also showed that in 2013 there were 954 and 727 fire cases in January and February respectively; 528 and 485 in 2014 and 948 and 537 in 2015, in the same months.
Preparation
According to Mr Osafo-Affum, the GNFS had instituted some interventions to help curb the fires
He also said the GNFS had conducted 821 and 440 fire safety risk assessments at fuel and gas stations and strategic state facilities, respectively across the country.
Additionally, the service had set up a task force to visit all major public assembly points to ensure that safety practices are adhered to.
He said simulation exercises had also been organised at various markets in the country together with the various assemblies and market women, while 1,000 fire volunteers had been trained nationwide.
Way forward
Mr Osafo-Affum stated that the service would liaise with various assemblies to ensure adequate access routes were created in the various markets for easy access during emergencies.
