The Western Regional Fire Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, ACFO II David Asah Darko, has raised concerns over the lack of water in most fire hydrants across the region.
He noted that this challenge forces firefighters to travel long distances to fetch water, even when a hydrant is nearby, significantly affecting emergency response efforts.
Speaking in an interview with our reporter, Nana Fynn, during the Western Regional Fire Safety Week celebration in Sekondi-Takoradi, ACFO II Asah Darko explained that delays in accessing water during firefighting operations put lives and properties at greater risk.
He, therefore, called on the Ghana Water Company to ensure that fire hydrants in the region are adequately supplied with water to enhance firefighting efficiency.
The Fire Commander also addressed the recurring issue of market fires in Ghana, highlighting that the Western Region has not recorded a single market fire this year. He attributed this success to proactive measures introduced by the Fire Service.
According to ACFO II Asah Darko, the region has implemented a Market Day and Night Fire Patrol Initiative, where fire service personnel conduct routine visits to marketplaces during the day to educate traders on fire safety.
At night, another team patrols the markets to inspect and eliminate potential fire hazards.
He stated that reports indicate the initiative has been highly effective in preventing market fires.
The ongoing Fire Safety Week celebration includes educational campaigns in churches, mosques, markets, lorry parks, and flood-prone areas.
Fire service personnel are also engaging the media to raise awareness about fire safety and preventive measures aimed at reducing fire outbreaks in the region.
ACFO II Asah Darko urged the public to take fire safety precautions seriously, as fire outbreaks continue to cause significant loss of lives and property across the country.
Story by Nana Fynn Angel Tv/fm Takoradi