The Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi, renowned for its bustling timber and wood trade, has once again been ravaged by a massive fire, marking the second such incident within two weeks.

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The latest blaze ignited on the evening of Sunday, January 19, causing significant damage and compounding the struggles of vendors still recovering from the first fire.

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Eyewitnesses and video footage from the scene depict a frantic and heartbreaking scenario as fire consumed numerous shops and stalls, destroying everything in its path. Traders are seen desperately attempting to rescue their merchandise while calling for help.

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While the cause of the fire remains unclear, the highly flammable materials found throughout the market, including timber, sawdust, and chemicals used in wood processing, contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the scale of the fire posed considerable challenges for firefighters in controlling it.

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This devastating incident follows an earlier fire on January 4, which also destroyed parts of the market, leaving traders devastated by the loss of their goods and equipment.

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Following the first blaze, discussions were initiated by market authorities and local officials to implement preventive measures, including the installation of fire hydrants, frequent safety checks, and creating fire-resistant zones within the market.

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However, these initiatives were still in the planning phase when the second fire broke out, highlighting the urgent need for more immediate action.

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