The Central Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service has cautioned the general public to take precautionary measures to prevent any form of fire disaster especially during the festive season.
According to the fire commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Fanny Simpson, during festive seasons the number of fire disasters recorded are mostly due to negligence.
The fire officer gave the caution in an interview after a festival of nine lessons and carol service held to mark the Christmas festivities at the Regional Command of the Fire Service in Cape Coast.
She said the weather is mostly dry during the season, and cautioned against indiscriminate disposal of left over cigarette which sometimes land in the bush, causing bush fire.
“Our findings indicates that a high number of the fire cases we dealt with last year around the yuletide was bush fires because around that time the weather is mostly dry and becomes prone to fire, and most of the bush fires are caused especially by those who smoke cigarette and ‘wee’ who leave the pieces of their cigarette and ‘wee’ in the bush.
“Other culprits of bush fires are palm wine tapers and hunters who do not properly put out the fire they use which ends up spreading and destroying properties,” she said.
ACFO Fanny Simpson also mentioned how some people who burn toilet papers also contributed to bush fire, stressing the need for residents to exercise extra care when burning to prevent any disaster.
She also cautioned the public to ensure all electrical gadget are put off when not in use, especially when people are leaving their home to prevent any fire disaster.
She called on churches especially those who use candles to also be careful when lighting them in order not to result in any fire outbreak.
She also pleaded with operators of pubs, restaurants and entertainment centres to also be extra cautious, entreating owners and operators of such places to put fire preventive measures in place.
ACFO Fanny Simpson however said the fire service has mapped out strategies to counter any fire outbreak.
The central regional police commander DCOP Paul Manly Awini who was one of the special dignitaries at the event, commended the Ghana fire service for their role in dealing with disasters.
The ceremony also had in attendance some commanders and personnel from other security services including the police, immigration, prisons, bureau for national investigations, NADMO and the forestry commission who took part in the bible lessons.
