The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) says it will no longer tolerate gas stations that flout safety rules in the discharge of their duties.

The GNFS believes blatant disregard for discharge protocol and safety measures are behind gas explosions in the country.

In line with its new measures to curb gas explosions, the GNFS has directed gas stations to prompt the nearest fire stations before offloading their products.

GNFS Director in charge of Public Relations, Prince Billy Anaglatey told Joy News Tuesday the Service will keenly monitor the operations of gas stations.

GNFS Director in charge of Public Relations, Prince Billy Anaglatey

“We will insist that anytime they would have to offload the gas they will need to inform the local fire station within the community that will give them a fire cover,” he said.

He explained with the new directive, operators of gas stations will be compelled to meet, “safety standards before offloading.”

Mr Anaglatey was reacting to last Saturday’s gas explosion at Atomic Junction that left at least seven people dead with 134 others injured.

Gas explosion at Atomic Junction in Accra

The fire reportedly started from a gas station in the area, Manasco Gas Filling Station and spread to the Total filling station that is minutes away.

State institutions such as GNFS, National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been blamed for failing to enforce safety standards at the various gas stations.

But GNFS has directed gas stations to comply with all safety measures in the discharge of their duties.

The Service is also targeting to combat domestic fire with the amendment of Legislative Instrument (LI2249).

“Now we are going to ensure that our domestic and commercial homes have fire certificates,” Mr Anaglatey said.

He also said it is obligatory for people to have firefighting facilities like extinguishers and smoke detectors in their homes.