Sunyani, Jan. 31, GNA - Fire destroyed property worth more than GH=A2 1.4 million in 409 fire cases recorded last year in Brong Ahafo. Mr. Kwaku Manu Afful, Regional Director of Ghana National Fire Service, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency said one person was killed during one fire incident.

He said bush fires topped the list with 164 cases followed by 145 domestic, 43 vehicular, 16 electrical, 13 industrial and 11 commercial cases.

The regional director noted with concern that, the region would lose its rich forests to fire but gave the assurance that, the Service would not relent in efforts to save the situation. He said the Service would strictly apply the Assembly's byelaws to the letter and that any one who contravened the laws would be liable to a fine or serve a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months and in addition perform communal work for two weeks.

Mr. Afful said the laws also cautioned members of the public not to carry any explosive material such as naked fire to the farm or engage in activities that could cause a fire outbreak till March this year. He said property owners could under the Assembly's bye-laws take civil action against offenders.

"The GNFS will continue with its house-to-house education and radio talk shows started last year in Sunyani Municipality to educate the public on the adverse effects of fire outbreaks", he said. Mr. Afful urged traditional authorities to advise their people to refrain from burning the bush, cautioning that this year's harmattan was so severe and any least mistake could cause disaster. He appealed to market women who prepared food at the market to make sure they properly put out the fire they used before leaving for home, since cooking at the market had be identified as one of the causes of fire outbreaks. 31 Jan. 08