Public must make fire safety a priority to ensure lives and properties are saved, Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO), Gibril Nuhu, Greater Accra Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service(GNFS) has stated.
He said undesired fires were preventable provided every individual adhered to fire safety protocols.
The Commander gave the advice at the launch of the Greater Accra Regional Command of the GNFS Safety Week in Accra yesterday.
The programme aimed at educating the public on the need to adhere to fire safety protocols and regulations.
It was on the theme “Sustaining National Development through fire Safety” and was attended by regional commanders, district Commander, retired officers, and other stakeholders in fire safety.
DCFO Nuhu said fire could be a good servant depending on how it was handled, adding that fire safety was a shared responsibility, and called for collaboration to reduce the incidents of fire in the country.
The Commander said from January to November the Command had attended to 1136 fires, out of which 386 were put out before arrival of firefighters.
“This goes a long way to confirm that the fire safety education and awareness were well patronised by the public,” he added.
He assured of the Command’s commitment to putting in place strategies to reduce the canker in the region and national.
The Deputy Director of Safety in charge of Certification, Divisional Officer Grade One Micheal Ato Korsah, who represented the Chief Fire Officer, Mr Julius Kunnour, assured of the Service determination in ensuring that fires were reduced.
He called on the public to support the fire service in the discharge of its duties.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Opokuware Ampomah, in his remarks advocated the addition of fire safety into the school curriculum.
“The inclusion on fire safety issues into the school syllabus will educate the young ones,” he added.
He called on the public to adopt best practices to save lives and properties, saying “After the June 3rd twin disaster we have to learn lesson to ensure lives and properties were saved”.
Dr Ampomah commended the personnel of the Service for their dedication in ensuring that lives were protected even at the peril of their lives.
A retired fire Officer, DCFO (rtd) Kwame Kwarteng, said fires affected national development, adding that it had serious consequences such as death and injuries.
He called for the review of building code to guide the GNFS in their operations.
The retired fire Officer said fire safety was a shared responsibility and called on all stakeholders to collaborate to reduce the canker of fire outbreaks.
DCOP Kwarteng urged the public to adhere to best practices and ensure lives and properties were protected.
As part of programme lined up, the command will embark on educational programme at schools, markets in the region.
BY ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI
