Central Region recorded a total of 604 fire outbreaks last year, claiming 17 lives with more than GH¢76,000 being the cost of damage to items and properties.

 
To reverse the trend therefore, the Regional GNFS on Friday launched the 2016 Fire Safety awareness campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the effects of undesired fires, methods for preventing fire outbreaks, and safety measures.

The campaign dubbed: “Operation let the People Hear,” saw the Regional Chief Fire Officer, Divisional Officer one (DOI) Gilbert Wiafe and his men troop to the streets in the Cape Coast Metropolis, heralding the role of the individuals in the prevention of undesired fires.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, the Fire Officer stated that the education has become necessary due to the increasing rate of fire outbreaks especially bush fires in the Region.
DO1 Wiafe said personnel of the Service are fully psyched up to prevent and fight fires that are capable of ruining the huge investments as well as lives.

He identified negligence and irresponsible handling of fires by some residents as the most common cause of fire outbreaks recorded in the Region.
DO1 Wiafe charged them to be more vigilant adding that “fire safety in communities, domestic and industrial environment is of paramount importance”.

He urged the public to be very cautious and play their parts by ensuring that they handle fire with care and stop engaging in activities that would result in fire outbreaks
Areas covered were Abura, Pedu, Tsibu -Darko, Adisadel, Siwidu, Kotokuraba and London Bridge where residents gathered in their numbers to listen to the messages.

Source: GNA