Bono East Region Reports Notable Decrease in Fire Outbreaks in 2023

Techiman, Ghana – The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Command in the Bono East Region has experienced a significant reduction in fire outbreaks for the period of January to September 2023. This year’s incidents totaled 125, a decrease from the 168 fires recorded in the same period in 2022.

According to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Techiman, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Mr. Emmanuel Inkum, the Bono East Regional Fire Commander, attributed this decline to effective fire prevention education initiated by the command. The 2023 figures include 55 domestic, five industrial, 33 commercial, four institutional, nine vehicular, and 16 bushfires. Comparatively, the 2022 records comprised 69 domestic, 16 industrial, 22 commercial, eight institutional, 15 vehicular, and 34 bushfires.

ACFO Inkum emphasized the impact of the command’s proactive fire prevention measures across the region, which involved educating the public on preventing fire outbreaks. He noted a 3.85 per cent reduction in fires when comparing the first three quarters of 2022 to the same period in 2023. The fire-related injuries also decreased from four in 2022 to three in 2023, with no fatalities reported this year.

The GNFS Command’s efforts include extensive fire prevention training for community members and the establishment of fire posts. ACFO Inkum stressed the importance of treating fire with attention and urged farmers, community members, industry owners, institutions, and drivers to take precautions during their operations to prevent fire outbreaks.

In preparation for the upcoming Christmas festival, the Commander encouraged residents to celebrate with caution to avoid fire-related incidents. He also gave assurance that the Regional and District fire committees would be inaugurated as per the Fire Service Act to regulate fire-related issues across the region.