The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) demonstrated exceptional operational speed and dexterity on Saturday, November 8, 2025, successfully preventing a devastating fire from engulfing a densely populated area of Tema Newtown, Manhean Down.

The blaze, which erupted among multiple wooden structures, necessitated the deployment of three separate fire tenders to contain the rapid spread.

The distress call, classified as a domestic fire, was received at 1413 hours. The first rapid response unit, designated Titus 4 from the Tema Regional Headquarters, arrived on the scene at 1426 hours—a response time of just 13 minutes.

Due to the advanced stage of the fire and the close proximity of the wooden structures, the GNFS immediately escalated the response, deploying two additional pumps from the Tema Motorway and Industrial Area Fire Stations to provide overwhelming force against the blaze.

The combined efforts of the firefighting crews proved decisive:

• Destruction: Six (6) wooden structures and their contents, including personal belongings, were completely destroyed by the flames.
• Salvage: Critically, the firefighters successfully saved twelve (12) adjoining structures from destruction, effectively halting the spread of the fire through the congested community.
• Contained: The major operation was successfully concluded and the fire fully contained by 1631 hours.

Crucially, no casualties were recorded among the residents, a testament to the community's evacuation efforts and the speed of the GNFS response.

However, the fire had a personal impact on the service itself, as the blaze affected the home of a Firewoman stationed at the Tema Regional Headquarters Substation, highlighting the personal sacrifice made by personnel.

ACFO II Patrick Sallah, the Tema Regional Fire Commander, along with other senior officers, was on site to personally direct and support the crews. The GNFS extended "Kudos to the gallant firefighters" for their "swift response and successful containment" of the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the GNFS.