Sekondi, Dec. 31, GNA - The Western Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Mr Morgan Law has said that, the issuance of Fire Certificates was very important for the safety and protection of any nation and its people.

He said this, could to a large extent ensure fire safety and preparedness of businesses, investors and the general public in case of fire outbreak.

Mr Law, who was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Sekondi on Friday said, many buildings in the region were not covered by fire certificates and this makes them vulnerable to fire outbreak. He therefore, appealed to the various stakeholders to collaborate with the GNFS to provide sustained education on fire detection, prevention and safety. Mr Law, who is also an Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said companies, who do not have fire certificates, were liable for prosecution and appealed to them to apply for the certificate without delay. "The fire certificate would empower the GNFS to periodically inspect their premises, make appropriate recommendations on safety and assist owners to obtain their own fire extinguishing equipment", he said. He disclosed that, the region recorded 64 fire outbreaks in 2004 as against 86 in 2003, and attributed constant public education to the reduction in fire cases.

Mr Law said 12 of the outbreaks were domestic, seven were bush fires, and two were vehicular, while the remaining was industrial in nature. He hinted that, the GNFS intensified its educational outreach at Assakae, Kansaworodu, Anaji, Takoradi and Sekondi markets, which have become fire spots within the Shama Ahanta East metropolis. Mr Law appealed to farmers, hunters and the general public to avoid any bush fires, since it could result in serious damage to crops, houses and deaths.