The Assistant Divisional Officer Grade One (ADO1) Victor Gyan, the Bono East Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), has called for installation of fire extinguishers, detectors and alarms at markets and other places of gatherings.
He said it was mandatory for those places, including institutions and private establishments to install the fire extinguishers at their premises.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Techiman in the wake of fire outbreaks being reported in parts of the country, ADO1 Gyan said “installation of fire extinguishers at places of public gatherings and markets will help stem the spread of fires during outbreaks.
“It is very sad that many business establishments don’t take precautionary measures and safety for their businesses until the expected and the unfortunate happens,” he stated.
Touching on the recent fire outbreaks that occurred at the Techiman Central Market, ADO1 Gyan sympathised with the victims, and urged them to cooperate with the command in assessing the extent of damage and the remote causes of the outbreak.
“Getting to know the cause of the fire outbreak will greatly help to prevent any future mishap,” he stated, advising that it would not be prudent for the victims to rush in rebuilding their business at the markets without knowing the cause of the fire.
“We need to study the trend of the fire and put in place measures to prevent future outbreaks,” adding that knowing the extent of the destruction would further help in case of compensating the victims.
ADO1 also expressed worry about the improper lay outs at the central market, saying that made it difficult for the fire fighters to get to the scene on time. He proposed the establishment of a fire post and installation of fire detectors and alarms at the central market.
Source: GNA
