Ashanti Region loses GH¢7.3m worth of properties to fire in 2012

Five lives together with property totaling GH¢7,395,464.00 were lost through fires in the Ashanti Region, last year, Assistant Divisional Officer II (ADO), Desmond Ackah Essoun of the Regional Safety Department, Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), has announced.

The region recorded 920 fire incidents compared with the 2011’s figure of 769, that claimed one live and ruined property worth GH¢4,402,209.00.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, he said, just two weeks into year 2013, fire firefighters have already had to respond to 70 emergencies and two people perished in those fires.

He said the GNFS has stepped up its public education campaign to help bring down fire outbreaks and the resultant devastation caused to lives and property.

ADO II Essoun said majority of the fire disasters that occurred in the region were domestic – accounting for close to a half of the 2012’s total.

He attributed the upsurge of fire cases to carelessness and mishandling of electricity, gas and other combustible materials. Added to these, are the use of sub-standard electrical gadgets and illegal power installations, particularly in the markets.

He said there was the need for people to heed fire safety education and warning.

Source: GNA