The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Wednesday attributed most of the recent spate of fire outbreaks to the use of improper electrical gadgets and unattended electrical gadgets at various domestic dwellings and offices.

A statement issued by Prince Billy Anaglate, Deputy National Public Relations Officer, GNFS and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said properties and precious lives are lost through these fires.

The statement explained that fire outbreaks were brought about by the negligence or carelessness of some individuals in society.

“The country as a whole suffers from these fires as socio-economic development is retarded.

It is, therefore, imperative to ensure that adequate safety precautionary measures, including switching off all electrical gadgets during power outages and unplugging cables from electrical sockets are adhered to,” it said.

The GNFS is therefore cautioning the public to adhere to fire safety measures, which include replacement of over-aged electrical wires with modern and standard ones.

Switching off all air-conditioners in various offices by close of the day and turning off ceiling fans for a while, after being on for a longer period.

The GNFS also directs that generators should be kept in places where there is adequate ventilation to avoid overheating and switching off lights in offices by close of the day and during power outages.

It urged corporate institutions to task some inspection officers/security men to go round and ensure that lights and electrical gadgets in the offices are turned off after close of work.

The statement advised the public to avoid overloading of electrical sockets in their various homes and offices.

It also advised the public to contact the Fire Service if in doubt of any safety measurements on 0302772446.