The Northern Region last year recorded a total number of 373 fires with an estimated cost of damage to properties at GH₵68, 217, 224, an increase over the 2023 record of 312 fires.
A report released by the Northern Regional Command of the Ghana Fire Service and signed by Public Relations Officer Baba Hudu said an average of one fire was recorded each day in 2024.
The release said 137 out-on-arrival cases were recorded in 2024 as against 133 for the same period in 2023.
It said domestic fires recorded the highest with 189, electrical – 49, commercial 44 and vehicular – 29.
The release added that the rest are bush fire – 21, institutional – 17, industrial – 3 and other fires – 21
The Command said no life was lost through flooding, depths and heights rescue except fire, which recorded one death.
It said 20 injuries were recorded whilst four lives were lost in 29 road traffic incidents in 2024, an increase over 2023, which recorded four deaths through 23 incidents.
The release said a new trend of fire outbreaks in 2024 was the ones that affected uncompleted structures, which accounted for 19 fires.
The Command has expressed worry that in just 20 days of the new year, the Region has already recorded 40 fire outbreaks which includes the two major fires recorded on 6th January, 2025, involving the warehouse of GSL African LTD and Tamale timber market.
It named electrical faults, which stem from circuit overload, arcing, short circuits, inferior cables, compromised or poorly done electrical installations, over-aged wires and earthing problems; as some of the causes of fire the numerous fires in the region.
It added that gas leakages, unattended cooking; unattended lit candles; mosquito coils, matches and poorly done hot works from welding, bush burning and deliberate acts also accounted for several fires.
The Northern Regional Command urged the general public to put in conscious effort in avoiding attitudes that can lead to fire.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.