The Central Regional Fire Command from January to Christmas Eve this year, recorded 484 fire outbreaks, as compared to 458 reported during the same period in 2012.

The Regional Fire Officer, AFCO John Amponsah-Tetteh, who made this known in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Cape Coast however, said domestic fires topped the list again this year with a slight decrease of 140 compared to 147 in 2012 while bush fires followed with 133 as against128 in 2012.

He said vehicular fires were 78 as against 76 in 2012 while commercial fires, which involved markets, shops and other business areas, increased over a hundred percent as 13 were recorded against five last year.

He said the command responded to 109 road accidents as against 157 last year, and recorded 148 injuries and 62 deaths as against last year’s 489 and 60 respectively.

AFCO Amponsah-Tetteh said some of the causes of the outbreaks which destroyed property worth millions of cedis, were poor handling of naked fires, electrical faults, gas leakages, and lack of adherence to safety education by most residents.

He, therefore, advised the general public to be extra careful, especially this yuletide when the use of fire and electricity is more rampant.

He advised against overloading of sockets and extension boards, and added that all items that are not in use are to be put off before leaving the house or offices, especially for the various watch night services.

AFCO Amponsah-Tetteh appealed to the general public to report fire outbreaks as early as possible, so that the command can effectively put them out to help save life and property.

He wished the general public a fire-free Christmas celebration.