The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has recently issued a cautionary statement to the public, particularly addressing individuals who have been involved in confrontations with fire service personnel arriving late at fire scenes.
This caution comes in the wake of a recent incident where officers from the Asamankese Fire Station encountered resistance from residents of Apraman, a farming community around Kade, upon their arrival at a fire scene. The personnel from the Asamankese Fire Station had been called to support their colleagues at the Kade station, as their own tender was already dispatched. However, their journey was further impeded when their tender encountered a fault at Topreman, 2 km away from Apraman, necessitating the firefighters to travel to the scene by private vehicle.
Unfortunately, upon their arrival, the firefighters were met with hostility from the residents, resulting in an attack on the personnel. It was only through the timely intervention of ASP Ernest Danso of the Ghana Police Service that the tension was diffused, allowing the firefighters to assess the situation and work with the locals to successfully contain and control the blaze using available resources.
As a result of this incident, four residential units, each comprising 9 bedrooms, suffered significant losses. However, thankfully, there were no reported casualties.
In response to this event, D03 Ignatius Baidoo, the Eastern Regional Fire Service Public Relations Officer, emphasized the importance of refraining from attacking firefighters. He highlighted the fact that these individuals put their lives at risk in order to save lives and protect the properties of fire victims. He urged the public to allow firefighters to assess the situation upon their arrival at a fire scene, and to refrain from insulting or obstructing them.
In an interview with Citi News, D03 Ignatius Kwamina Baidoo stated, "My appeal to the public is that when firefighters arrive at the scene, and if you perceive a delay due to misinformation or the fire service not receiving timely information, please allow them to assess the situation. Don’t insult us because we put our lives on the line to reach your properties and salvage the situation. We will continue to serve, and we will not relent in our efforts."
It is crucial for the public to understand and appreciate the challenging and often dangerous nature of firefighting. The GNFS plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and protecting property, and it is imperative that they are supported and respected in their endeavors.
As responsible members of society, it is important for us to cooperate with and show appreciation for the efforts of the GNFS and all emergency response personnel. Let us work together to create a safer environment for all.
-source citinewsroom | curated by Mavis Darkoo | Ghana Crimes
