The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) recorded a total of 5,596 fire outbreaks between January and November of this year, as against 5,258 within the same period the previous year, representing a 6.43 percent increase.
The GNFS mentioned harsh weather conditions, non-compliance with fire safety measures by the public, road traffic accidents, and electrical fault gas leakages, among others, as the cause of the fire outbreaks.
Julius Kuunuor, the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of the GNFS, revealed this when the GNFS held its nine lessons, carols, and thanksgiving service in Accra on the theme "Be an Agent of Peace." He said it was sad to note that as of December 18, 2024, 37 fire officers lost their lives and extended heartfelt condolences to family and friends.
The CFO stated that the GNFS this year embarked on several impactful initiatives, including a national bush fire campaign, Automated Fire Permit, and Certification Management System and commissioned the first phase of two Fire academies and training schools and several new Fire stations.