Sekondi, Jan 7, GNA- Mr Isaac Morgan Law, the Western Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), has reminded firms, factories, institutions and shops that the grace period granted after the passage of the Fire Prevention Regulations Act, 537 in February 2003 expires next month.

Mr Law told newsmen that after the expiry of the deadline owners of defaulting institutions, factories and shops would be prosecuted. He said the fire certificate was meant to ensure that all premises were built with enough exists or have adequate fire prevention mechanisms in place.

Mr Law urged them to build water reservoirs at their premises to be used in emergency situations.

He expressed regret that most industries and homes have old and faulty electrical wiring systems and urged owners of such structures to re-wire them.

Mr Law noted with concern the frequent false emergency telephone calls certain individuals make to the service. He said last year, the service received 11,000 distressed calls ''while others also called the station to insult the personnel on duty".