Ghana recorded an increase in fire outbreaks from January to July this year compared to the same period in 2022, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

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Chief Fire Officer, Julius Kuunor noted that a total of 3,819 fire outbreaks were responded to by fire fighters in 2023, as against 3,678 cases last year.

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This represents an increase of 3.8 per cent in fire outbreaks in the country.

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The data was provided at the launch of the 2023 Fire Safety Week in connection with the 60th Anniversary in Accra, on the theme; ‘60 Years of Existence: Fire Safety, the Choice for a Safer Environment’.

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Out of the total 3,819 fire outbreaks recorded in the period under review, 1,478 were domestic fires, followed by commercial fires, 636, bush fires, 559, electrical fires, 455, vehicular fires, 363, refuse dump fires, 168, institutional fires, 146, and industrial fires 14.

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A breakdown of the fire outbreak cases recorded this year so far reveals that 827 cases were recorded in January, 728 cases in February, 622 cases in March, 506 cases in April, 428 cases in May, 337 cases in June, and 371 cases in July.

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Concerned by the current statistics, Mr Kuunor urged the public to be extra vigilant in their activities that hover around electrical and flammable objects.

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“I urge you all to prioritise fire safety in your daily lives by adhering to the basic fire safety tips being churned out by the Service,” he said.

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He called for the safe use of cylinders and cooking apparatus, having free escape routes and installing smoke detectors and alarms.

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He also advised the public to conduct regular fire drills, ensure the proper maintenance of fire safety equipment, and educate their families, friends and colleagues on fire prevention measures.

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The Fire Safety Week will provide the Fire Service the opportunity to have media engagement, quizzes, meet district assembly and market leaders, inspect national installations, among others.

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