A Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), ADO2 Alex King Nartey, has bemoaned some citizens’ reluctance to engage personnel who seek to educate them on basic fire preventive measures.

In an interview with Myjoyonline.com, the officer highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Fire Service and the public to effectively prevent future fires and mitigate potential dangers.

His complaint follows a fire incident at Madina-Ritz in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality on Tuesday.

According to him, although the fire station is a short distance from the market, traders refuse to engage the firefighters who come with the intent to enlighten them.

“The fire station is very close to the scene. Our men often come here to do fire education but these people will fight with them and drive them away and not give them a listening ear. And they will be quick to blame the Fire Service,” he said.

On the back of this, ADO2 urged all and sundry to readily avail themselves when firefighters visit their environs.

“So we will implore with the public that when our men come and knock on your door for fire education, they should be more receptive to our men so that at least we can find ways to mitigate such fires in the future.”

Giving more details about the fire at Madina-Ritz Junction, ADO2 Nartey said the cause of the fire is unknown.

With five fire engines at the scene, he believed that the team is well-equipped to douse the fire.

“The location is very close to the Fire Station at Madina, so our men were here in one minute. Currently we have five appliances here, one from the National headquarters, Abelemkpe, Legon, Adenta and Madina,” he said.

He also revealed that over 20 shops have been gutted by the fire.