The Ghana National Fire service in the Brong Ahafo Region has expressed concern over the increasing number of fire outbreaks in that part of Ghana.

According to the Deputy regional Fire Commander DOI Paa Kwesi Adutwum, an average of three fires are recorded on a daily basis leading to loss of property and lives. The fires, ranging from domestic, vehicular to bush infernos, increased from 371 in June 2015 to 470 in June 2016.

Mr Twum made the revelation when he addressed the media at a seminar to educate journalist on the causes and prevention of fire in Sunyani.

“In terms of cost, fatalities, over 62 people lost their lives within those years under review. Over 700 people sustained various degrees of injuries and the cost of items damaged is estimated at GHS17, 168, 346.50,” he stated.

He noted that about 97.6 per cent of buildings affected by fire had properties not insured and, therefore, encouraged all institutions, establishments and public places to obtain fire certificates and insure their properties.

Mr Twum said the service will embark on outreach programmes to sensitise communities about fire safety in collaboration with their stakeholders.

“We are hoping that this year we will enforce or education early enough to encourage the fire volunteers to move to hamlets and villages to make sure that we will be able to sensitise those who are there to be aware of things that they need not do. We have stakeholders who usually collaborate with us and the major stakeholder is the media, then we also think of Forestry Commission, the Assemblies and other NGOs”.