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The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has announced impressive strides in fire safety and emergency response for the first quarter of 2026. Notable improvements include a 10.02% reduction in fire incidents, a 53.5% decrease in fire-related deaths, and a 62.79% reduction in fire-related injuries. The report highlights a 10.2% drop in bushfires, a 17.8% reduction in prank calls, and a significant increase in the value of salvaged properties, which surged by 217.47%. These positive outcomes reflect the GNFS’s effective fire management strategies and growing public awareness in fire safety education.
Key Achievements
1. Reduction in Fire Incidents: The total number of fire incidents dropped by 206 cases, from 2,261 in 2025 to 2,055 in 2026, marking a 10.02% decrease. This reduction is attributed to improved fire prevention strategies and better public compliance with fire safety regulations.
2. Cost Analysis:
The value of salvaged properties increased dramatically to GH₵ 479,457,385 in 2026, a 217.47% increase from GH₵ 151,026,471 in 2025. This demonstrates more efficient fire management and property preservation.
Conversely, the cost of damages increased slightly to GH₵ 215,479,467 in 2026 from GH₵ 167,383,392 in 2025, reflecting a 28.7% rise. However, the higher salvage value indicates better control over property loss.
3. Out-On-Arrival (OOA) Cases: OOA cases rose significantly from 558 (24.7%) in 2025 to 651 (32%) in 2026, reflecting a more prepared and responsive public in handling fires before they escalate. This improvement is attributed to increased community involvement and effective fire safety education.
4. Fire-Related Deaths and Injuries: The number of fire-related deaths decreased from 15 in 2025 to 7 in 2026, a 53.5% reduction. Similarly, fire-related injuries dropped by 62.8%, from 43 in 2025 to 16 in 2026, underscoring the success of the GNFS’s preventive measures and rapid response efforts.
Major Causes of Fires
The primary causes of fires during the period include:
1. Electrical faults due to the misuse of electricity and appliances.
2. Unattended cooking and gas leakages from improper use of LPG cylinders.
3. Indiscriminate burning of refuse and bushes.
4. Misuse of naked flames such as candles, mosquito coils, and matches.
5. Lightning effects and deliberate arson.
Regional Fire Trends
The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents with 377 cases, followed by Ashanti Region with 337, and Central Region with 184. Oti Region recorded the fewest incidents, with only 21 cases.
Fire Incident Breakdown (2025 vs. 2026):
Domestic Fires: Increased from 770 (34.1%) in 2025 to 881 (42.9%) in 2026.
Commercial Fires: Increased from 339 (15%) in 2025 to 350 (17%) in 2026.
Bushfires: Decreased sharply from 562 (24.9%) in 2025 to 209 (10.2%) in 2026.
Electrical Installation Fires: Decreased slightly from 217 (9.8%) in 2025 to 200 (9.7%) in 2026.
Vehicular Fires: Increased from 159 (7.1%) in 2025 to 176 (8.6%) in 2026.
Institutional Fires: Increased from 69 (3.1%) in 2025 to 85 (4.1%) in 2026.
Other Fires (Refuse and Crown Fires): Increased from 139 (6.3%) in 2025 to 145 (7.1%) in 2026.
Industrial Fires: Increased from 6 (0.3%) in 2025 to 9 (0.4%) in 2026.
Fire Safety Education Impact
The increase in Out-On-Arrival (OOA) cases indicates the growing effectiveness of community-based fire safety education programs. These programs have equipped the public with the knowledge and skills to manage fires at an early stage, leading to a reduction in damage and an increase in property salvage worth over GH₵ 470 million.
Rising Challenges: RTCs and Rescues
While fire-related incidents have decreased, there has been a concerning rise in road traffic collisions (RTCs) and related casualties:
RTC cases rose by 46.53%, from 144 in 2025 to 211 in 2026.
RTC-related deaths increased by 51.2%, from 86 in 2025 to 130 in 2026.
RTC-related injuries surged by 86.4%, from 500 in 2025 to 932 in 2026.
Furthermore, other rescue operations, such as bee attacks and structural collapses, increased by 119.05%, with incidents rising from 42 in 2025 to 92 in 2026. These developments present new challenges that require more resources and specialized training for GNFS personnel.
Commitment to Public Safety
The GNFS remains dedicated to enhancing fire safety and emergency response measures. Key initiatives include:
1. Public Fire Safety Campaigns: The GNFS will continue to run targeted campaigns through traditional and social media, focusing on residential areas, lorry stations, and market centers.
2. Fire Safety Audits: More fire audits and inspections will be conducted in public and private commercial premises to identify hazards and prevent risks.
3. Community Fire Volunteers: The GNFS plans to train and mobilize more fire volunteers to help manage bushfires and implement climate resilience strategies.
4. Road Safety Collaboration: The GNFS will work closely with the National Road Safety Authority to improve road safety awareness, enforce regulations, and reduce RTCs.
The GNFS also encourages the public to continue adhering to fire safety protocols to ensure the protection of lives, property, and the environment.
Conclusion
While fire-related incidents, deaths, and injuries have decreased significantly, the rising challenges of road traffic collisions and complex rescue operations underscore the need for broader, multi-sectoral interventions. The GNFS remains committed to advancing fire safety and improving emergency response strategies for a safer Ghana.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source: Loco tv