Western Regional Fire Command intensifies safety inspections ahead of harmattan

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Western Regional Command has ramped up fire safety inspections in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis as the approaching harmattan season brings heightened fire risks. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade I (ACFO I) Cecil Addo, the Regional Commander, led the inspections targeting shopping malls, radio stations, and other public facilities.

The objective was to assess compliance with fire safety regulations and guarantee that facilities could prevent and respond to emergencies. The inspections, conducted ahead of the dry season, are part of the GNFS's preventive measures to mitigate fire outbreaks during harmattan, a period when hot, dry, and windy conditions elevate fire risks.

ACFO I Addo expressed concern over the potential surge in fire incidents during harmattan and urged facility managers to take necessary precautions. He highlighted the command's efforts to ensure that non-compliant facilities receive the required items and are prepared for emergencies. During the inspections, the team observed mixed levels of compliance, with some facilities demonstrating efforts to meet fire safety standards while others were lacking basic requirements, such as fire extinguishers.

The commander emphasized the command's commitment to revisiting facilities to confirm the effectiveness of the improvements made. He warned that non-compliance with fire safety regulations could result in sanctions and advised businesses and institutions to take proactive steps to enhance their preparedness. The GNFS is urging facility managers to install and maintain functional fire extinguishers, adhere to safety regulations, and implement preventive measures to minimize fire risks across the metropolis as the harmattan season approaches.