The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has called on the public to exercise greater caution as fire incidents rise nationwide, attributing the surge to Harmattan conditions that have heightened the risk of avoidable fires.
In an interview on Wednesday, February 4, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, DO II Desmond Ackah, advised against the use of naked flames and the indiscriminate burning of refuse, especially in residential areas, mechanic workshops, and markets where waste disposal is often inadequate.
He noted that the dry, windy weather associated with the Harmattan makes both natural and artificial materials more susceptible to ignition, allowing fires to spread rapidly once they start.
Ackah also encouraged residents to take proactive steps by reporting potential fire hazards early, rather than waiting for situations to escalate.
“If we notice activities around us that could trigger a fire, we shouldn’t remain passive,” he said. “Such hazards must be reported promptly to the relevant authorities so the necessary measures can be taken, particularly during this period.”