Tema Regional Command to control rampant fire outbreaks
The Tema Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is liaising with assembly members in Tema to control the rampant fire outbreaks in the region.
In the third quarter of 2017 alone, the Tema region recorded 311 fire outbreaks resulting in three injuries and five deaths.
The decision of the command to engage the assembly members was because of the influence they wield in their respective communities.
The command is, therefore, appealing to the assembly members to invite the fire service to their communities to offer the people free public fire safety education to ensure development in the Tema metropolis.
Fire safety
Addressing the assembly members at a fire safety sensitisation programme in Tema, the Regional Fire Commander, ACFO Frances Rockson, said fire safety had become more paramount in the lives of Ghanaians today than ever.
She said the fire service was encouraged by the way the population had become more aware of safety issues and were, therefore, trooping to offices of the service to report safety infractions they came across for redress.
Ms Rockson said even though fire was a useful tool in the daily lives of Ghanaians, if not handled with care, it could result in a disaster, and added that depending on how it was handled, it could be a good companion or a bad tool.
The regional commander reminded the assembly members that the sensitisation programme was to remind all about how to handle fires properly so that it would not bring disasters, especially as the Christmas and the harmattan seasons approached.
Ms Rockson noted that fire disasters had consequential social, economic and psychological effects on victims, stating that whenever there was a fire disaster, the citizenry were quick to call on the government for assistance and resources that otherwise could have been used for other development purposes.
Commitment of regional commander
She stressed the determination of the regional command to prevent fire-related deaths and injuries in the region and counted on the assembly members to help achieve that feat.
Ms Rockson said statistics indicated that most fires in the country occurred between the months of December and March of every year and for that reason, there was the need to intensify awareness.
She, therefore, urged the assembly members to observe and practice fire safety titbits that were given to them.
Ms Rockson added that the agenda of "achieving a safety and secure region" was part of the engagement with various stakeholders that included the assemblies, institutions, industries, market associations, garages, and individuals with a view to strategising in reducing fire outbreaks in the region.