The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has urged corporates and industries to take fire safety measures seriously, especially during the harmattan season.

They have also been asked to organise regular training for staff on the use of first aid firefighting equipment for timely intervention during outbreaks.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO), Daniella Mawusi Sapong Ntow, the Director in Charge of Fire Safety of the National Fire Service, said this during a routine monitoring exercise of some facilities in Accra.

She said many institutional and industrial fire incidents could be prevented if proper tools are always in place to aid firefighting in time and encouraged the institutions to be “fire conscious.”

DCFO Ntow in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said the exercise is to enable the Safety Directorate to acquaint itself with the situation on the ground.

The monitoring team included DCFO Alhaji Gibril Nuhu, the Accra Regional Commander, officials from the Fire Safety Directorate, Headquarters, and the Regional Fire Command, Accra.

The team visited the Melcom Shopping Mall, and the DD Acme Limited.

The officers inspected the engineering plans of both facilities, the visibility of caution and emergency signs as well as the availability of fire extinguishers.

DCFO Ntow commended both facilities for their fire safety preparedness and urged them to maintain the standards.
She said the monitoring would be replicated in the regions to reduce fire disasters in the country.

DCFO Nuhu said the Regional Command has been engaging stakeholders to curb fire incidents.