The Tema Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has recorded 616 fire outbreaks in 2024, a 15% increase from the 533 cases in 2023.

In response, the command is set to review its fire prevention strategy to enhance safety.

Speaking to Joy News after a fire prevention education exercise at a slum and the Community 1 market, Tema Regional Public Relations Officer, DOIII Ebenezer Yenzu, attributed the surge in fires to multiple factors.

“A number of reasons account for this increase, including our response to fires in areas that technically fall within Accra.

"For instance, our station near Kasapreko at Spintex often extends coverage to Nungua due to a broken-down appliance in Accra,” he explained.

He also pointed to the rise of slums as a contributing factor. “Rural-urban migration has led to the rapid expansion of slum areas.

"For economic reasons, many people opt for makeshift structures closer to their workplaces rather than renting houses,” he said, citing notable slums such as Ayigbe Town, Community 5000, and Tuobodom.

The increase in fire incidents has resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of cedis.

Despite these concerns, the GNFS cannot independently carry out demolitions in fire-prone areas, as this responsibility lies with metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies.

“Until these areas are cleared, we will continue to educate residents on fire safety measures to help them protect their lives and belongings,” DOIII Yenzu stated.

As part of its prevention efforts, the fire team engaged residents at Community 5000, traders at the Community 1 market, and drivers at the Community 10 taxi rank.

DOIII Yenzu stressed their hands-on approach to education: “We in Tema don’t just gather large crowds to sensitise them. While that can be effective, we prioritize one-on-one education alongside traditional media outreach.”

He also addressed public misconceptions: “Unfortunately, some people assume we are not working and simply allowing fires to destroy properties. We are actively working to prevent such disasters.”

To curb market fires, he advised traders to:

• Turn off fans before leaving their stalls.

• Ensure charcoal is properly extinguished with water.

• Dispose of coal pot ashes safely.

• Shut off gas cylinders when leaving the market or home.

Taxi drivers were urged to keep fire extinguishers in their vehicles and were trained on how to handle vehicle fires.

Residents expressed gratitude for the intensified fire prevention efforts.

The GNFS has observed that fire outbreaks typically peak during the first and last quarters of each year, partly due to weather changes. Notably, 26 fires were recorded between December 24 and December 31, 2024.

In case of a fire emergency, residents were advised to call 192, 112, or 0303202554, with these emergency contacts being pasted on structures during the exercise.