Ahyiresu (Ash), March 16, GNA- The Atwima district office of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has embarked on an intensive bushfire prevention education campaign in the district.

It is aimed at reducing the indiscriminate bush burning that affects the environment, economic activities, social and cultural set ups.

Launching the campaign at Ahyiresu at the weekend, Mr Albert K. Babo, Ashanti Regional Co-ordinator of the Rural Fire Department of the GNFS, said a lot of caution is needed to protect the environment. He noted that most bushfires were caused through the activities of hunters, palmwine tappers, charcoal burners, honey harvesters and cigarette smokers.

Mr Babo reminded the fire volunteers of the need to team up with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the discharge of their duties since the two bodies were partners in fire prevention. Mr Samuel Asare, Atwima District Fire Officer, stressed the need for all to strive to prevent bush fires.

He therefore advised the volunteers to monitor the activities of those who set fires as well as people who pollute water bodies and farming along streams and rivers.

Mr Michael Manu, Atwima district chairman of the Rural Fire Volunteer Squad, reminded the volunteers that their work was sacrificial and therefore cautioned them against extorting money from farmers.