The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has urged the public not to hesitate to contact the service in case of a fire outbreak as they render free service to all.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Michael Yarquah, Director of Safety of the GNFS, stressed that the Service does not charge the public for services rendered to them during a fire outbreak.

DCFO Yarquah said the Service was being financed with the tax payer’s money making it mandatory for them to respond to every fire call.

He said this on Tuesday during the Tema Regional Fire Safety Week launch, which is on the theme: “Fire Safety Everyone’s Responsibility”.

He also encouraged the public to call the nearest fire station or the fire emergency number for assistance even when they attempt to put off the fire themselves.

The Director of Safety further asked residents to form groups and invite the Fire Service to educate them on how to prevent and control fires since fire fighting was a shared responsibility and not the sole responsibility of Fire Personnel.

He advised the public to be fire conscious and celebrate modestly during the Christmas festivities to ensure fire free holidays.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Julius Kuunuor, Tema Regional Fire Officer, said the safety week celebration would be used by Officers to visit homes, schools, markets, lorry parks, churches, mosques and institutions to intensify education on fire safety issues.

ACFO Kuunuor said it was unfortunate that people think about securing their properties from burglars while neglecting that of fire even though according to him, thieves may steal some of the properties while fire would ravage everything including lives.

He asked Ghanaians to show interest in fire educational programmes, heed to fire tips and give way to fire emergency vehicles to help save lives and properties.

The Tema Fire Officer also cautioned the public against playing with the Service’s emergency lines as culprits would be apprehended and prosecuted.

He congratulated personnel for a good work done during the year, noting that, fire outbreaks recorded in the Region has reduced to 26 in October this year as compared to 60 documented in January.

ACFO Kuunuor urged them to work harder to ensure that his outfit’s dream of either eliminating fire out breaks or reducing it to the minimum by the end of the year is achieved.