The Northern Region last year recorded 391 fire outbreaks which resulted in the loss of properties worth GH₵7,426,219.2.

It represents an increase from 367 in 2021 to 391 in 2022.

A statement signed by the Northern Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Baba Hudu said the cost of items salvaged from these fires amounted to GH₵8,718,786.

He said on average, one fire was recorded each day in 2022. Mr Hudu added that although no lives were lost through fires, flooding, depths and heights rescue, 87 injuries were recorded.

He said January and December recorded the highest fires of 81, representing 20.72% while domestic fires led with 203 cases, commercial - 53, electrical - 42 and bushfires - 41. The rest are vehicular -19, institutional 12 and other fires - 21.

The PRO said the Tamale Metro Fire Station recorded the highest number of fires with 94 fires which represented 24% of the total fires for 2022, followed by the Regional Headquarters Sub-Station with 87 fires representing 22.25%.

Sagnarigu and TTH fire stations followed with 69 and 61 fires representing 17.64% and 15.6% respectively, and Yendi, Savelugu stations recorded 44 and 28 fires representing 11.25% and 7.2 % respectively while Bimbilla Fire Station recorded the lowest figure of 8 fires representing 2%.

He attributed the causes of the fires to electrical faults from circuit overload, arcing, short circuits, inferior cables, compromised or poorly done electrical installations.

The rest were; over-aged wires, earthing problems; gas leakages, unattended cooking; unattended lit candles; mosquito coils, matches and poorly done hot works from welding and bush burning.

On road accidents the Fire Service attended to, 12 lives were lost in 10 road traffic collision accidents in 2022.