The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) says it is responding to an average of 15 to 20 fire outbreaks every day in the Greater Accra Region, with most incidents linked to domestic fires, despite recording only minor cases during the ongoing festive season.

Speaking on Pulse on JoyNews, Greater Accra Regional Officer of the GNFS, ACFO II Rashid Kwame Nisawu, said residential communities account for the bulk of the daily fire incidents attended to by the Service.

“As for domestic fires, within a day, if I’m not exaggerating, we can get like 20 cases — between 15 to 20 every day,” he stated.

ACFO II Nisawu explained that many of the fires occur in homes and densely populated areas, including informal settlements, increasing the risk to lives and property. He also identified faulty electricity infrastructure as a recurring cause of some fire outbreaks.

“Some of them are these ECG poles, the wooden ones. Sometimes they catch fire, they call us and we come to extinguish them,” he noted.

The disclosure comes on the back of the GNFS’ public safety campaign dubbed “Paint Accra Red,” aimed at intensifying fire prevention awareness, particularly during the festive season when the use of electrical appliances, fireworks and cooking equipment increases.

Although the Service says the current festive period has recorded mostly minor fires, officials warn that complacency could lead to major incidents.

The Fire Service has therefore urged residents to observe basic fire safety measures, including proper handling of electrical appliances, avoiding illegal power connections and reporting fire hazards promptly. The GNFS says sustained public education and community cooperation remain critical to reducing the high number of daily domestic fire incidents in the capital.