The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has launched an initiative to educate traders and other stakeholders in major markets on essential fire safety measures.

The exercise, which began on Friday, January 18 at the Adidome Market, aimed to educate the public on measures to prevent and respond to fire outbreaks.

Led by Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO 1), George Lumorvi, the GNFS team provided training on handling domestic gas cylinders, causes of fire, classes of fire and extinguishing medium, and emergency contact numbers.

The team also emphasized the importance of forming a market volunteer’s taskforce and employing certified electricians for electrical installations.

The exercise would be extended to other markets in the district, including Mafi Kumase.

However, the Ghana News Agency noted that the GNFS Adidome Command faces a significant challenge; the lack of fire hydrants at vantage points in the district, hindering effective firefighting.

ADO Lumorvi appealed to the government for support in addressing the issue of fire hydrants, stating that it is crucial for effective firefighting.

He also highlighted the need for the community to support the GNFS in their efforts to prevent and respond to fire outbreaks.

Mr. Guggisberg Fiagbenu, Assembly Member of the Adidome Electoral Area, encouraged the youth of Central Tongu to undergo voluntary fire-fighting training with the District Fire Command.

This he said would give the youth primary knowledge on firefighting and provide necessary preventive measures whenever there is a fire outbreak.

He also pledged to collaborate with the firefighters and the education directorate to establish fire cadets in schools across the community.

The initiative forms part of the GNFS's efforts to intensify fire safety education in markets across the country, following a series of frequent fire outbreaks in some parts of the.

The GNFS is committed to reducing the incidence of fire outbreaks and promoting fire safety awareness among traders and stakeholders in major markets.

The exercise was attended by traders, stakeholders, and community leaders, who expressed their appreciation for the initiative and pledged their support for the GNFS's efforts to promote fire safety awareness in the community.