The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the West Gonja Municipality in collaboration A-Rocha Ghana has on Sunday, 21st, December, 2025 intensified public education on fire prevention and safety through a public sensitization programme for residents within West Gonja Municipality, the North Gonja District and the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District aired on SPEAR FM in Damongo.
The programme formed part of efforts to reduce the rising incidents of domestic and bush fires, especially during the festive season. Officers who led the sensitization included Station Officer I Andrews Kofi Nimo, Leading Fireman Kipo Mubarak, and Leading Fireman Ahwiren Richard, all from the West Gonja office of the GNFS.
Explaining the concept of fire, the officers noted that, according to the GNFS, fire is a process of combustion that produces heat, light, and often smoke, resulting from a chemical reaction between a fuel source, heat, and oxygen. They stressed that removing any of these elements can prevent or stop fire.
The officers identified common causes of domestic fires as faulty electrical wiring, overloading of sockets, unattended cooking, misuse of gas cylinders, and careless handling of naked flames.
To prevent such fires, they advised households to avoid overloading sockets, switch off electrical appliances when not in use, service gas cylinders regularly, and ensure proper electrical installations by certified electricians.
They further recommended that a standard single room should have at least four sockets, while a hall should have a minimum of six sockets, to reduce pressure on electrical outlets. “Most domestic fires are preventable if people follow basic safety measures, especially with electrical wiring,” Station Officer I Andrews Kofi Nimo stated.
The officers also advised residents to consult the Volta River Authority (VRA) or NEDCO offices in their areas for recommendations of certified electricians for wiring works. Additionally, they noted that the GNFS should be consulted for professional advice before putting up structures, to ensure safety standards are met.
During the sensitization, the officers urged the public to remain calm during a fire outbreak, alert occupants immediately, switch off the main power supply if possible, and contact the GNFS promptly. They cautioned against attempting to fight large fires without proper equipment.
On bushfires, the officers mentioned land clearing through burning, careless disposal of cigarette butts, hunting activities, and uncontrolled farm fires as major causes. To prevent bushfires, they advised farmers and hunters to avoid indiscriminate burning, create fire belts around farms, and ensure fires are completely extinguished after use.
The GNFS officers cautioned farmers to stop burning farms as a method of land preparation. They encouraged early morning or late evening burning under strict control where necessary and advised farmers to always inform neighbours and local authorities before burning. “Fire does not respect boundaries. What starts on one farm can destroy an entire community,” Leading Fireman Kipo Mubarak warned.
As the Christmas season approaches, the officers urged the public to be extra cautious with electrical decorations, candles, cooking activities, and fireworks.
They also lamented what they described as a growing trend where people prioritise security over safety in their homes. “People invest heavily in burglary proofing and security cameras, but forget basic safety measures like fire extinguishers,” Leading Fireman Ahwiren Richard noted.
The officers revealed that the GNFS is finalising a policy that will soon see fire personnel stopping vehicles to check for fire extinguishers. “Very soon, vehicles without fire extinguishers will be sanctioned. Defaulters will be prosecuted because safety is not optional,” Station Officer I Andrews Kofi Nimo disclosed.
They encouraged vehicle owners and households to install and maintain fire extinguishers and to learn how to use them properly. The GNFS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and called on the public to cooperate fully by observing fire safety regulations, especially during the festive season.
