Tema, May 16, GNA - Tema Metropolis recorded 52 fire outbreaks from January- March this year, recording an increased over the 46 cases reported during the period under review last year.

Mr Gilford Tetteh Adams, Regional Ghana National Fire Officer who released the figures to the Ghana News Agency in Tema said domestic fires topped the list with a total of 22 outbreaks as against 15 recorded in the first quarter of last year. Mr Adams said commercial fires recorded from March this year totalled 13 as against seven outbreaks last year. He said the major courses of domestic and commercial fire outbreaks in the Metropolis could be attributed to electrical faults and naked lights, such as candles and gas fires which were unattended to.

The Tema Regional Fire Officer said the increase in the incidence could be blamed on the poor handling of naked lights and lack or adherence to fire safety education by most residents. Mr Adams advised residents in the Metropolis not to store inflammable liquids in their homes and to ensure that lit candles were placed in metal pans with water underneath. Residents he added should employ competent electricians to install electrical cables and prevent children from playing with matches and naked lights.

The Regional Fire Officer mentioned inadequate and absolute fire and rescue appliances and protective clothing, insufficient office and residential accommodation for fire personnel and lack of support for the creation of anti-bush and community fire volunteers, as the major challenges facing the Service in the Metropolis.