Ghana National Fire Service records slight increase in fire outbreaks in first half of 2025

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has reported a total of 3,595 fire outbreaks in the first half of 2025, marking a slight increase from the 3,576 cases recorded in the same period of 2024.

This represents a 0.53 percent rise in fire incidents nationwide, raising renewed concern over fire safety compliance in homes and public spaces.

Causes

According to the GNFS, the increase in cases has been largely attributed to gas cylinder leakages, misuse of naked flames, substandard electrical cables, as well as the improper lighting of mosquito coils and candles.

These factors continue to pose serious threats to life and property despite the Service’s ongoing public education efforts.

The National Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, Divisional Officer Grade II (DOII) Desmond Ackah, made the disclosure on Otec FM midday news on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

He stated, “The causes of these fires are mostly preventable. We urge the public to take fire safety seriously and follow the guidelines we provide to avoid such incidents.”

Measures to curb fire outbreaks

Despite the rise in cases, DOII Ackah emphasized that the GNFS has put several measures in place to curb fire outbreaks.

These include intensified public education campaigns, routine inspections of public, domestic, and commercial buildings, as well as the formation of a quick response team to attend to fire emergencies swiftly.

He further noted that the GNFS is committed to working with stakeholders to ensure compliance with all fire safety regulations.

“We are not relenting in our efforts,” he added. “We will continue to educate, inspect, and respond promptly. But we need the public’s cooperation. Adhering to safety protocols is key to reducing these unfortunate incidents.”

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah