Fijai (W/R), Jan 03, GNA - The Western Regional Fire Station recorded a total of 144 fires with domestic fires accounting for 49. Mr Morgan Law, the Western Regional Commander of the GNFS, disclosed that industrial and electrical fires recorded 14 and 13 respectively, while bush fires accounted for 25, regular fires, 11, commercial 10 and others 22.

He said this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Fijai on Tuesday.

Mr Law said three out of the 279 personnel sustained injuries during the year under review.

The Regional Commander said improper layout, lack of potable water, improper housing and street numbering and naming, inaccessible roads and the sitting of kiosks on water hydrants were some of the major challenges facing the GNFS in the region.

He, therefore, appealed to the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) and other relevant bodies to ensure that new residential areas have access to potable water, roads, proper lighting system and accurate numbering of houses and the naming of streets, to facilitate fire prevention.

Mr Law said if the new areas were properly demarcated, the loss of lives, property and financial investments would be greatly minimised. He said illegal electrical connections, improper disposal of cooking fire and the use of sub-standard electrical appliances, could lead to frequent fire outbreaks at homes and at business premises.

Mr Law appealed to all Ghanaians to be extra careful and vigilant and report fires accurately.

He said emergency numbers 192 or 031-22660 should be used to seek the assistance of the GNFS in case of emergency. Mr Law stressed that Mobile phone users cannot call the GNFS on the 192, since it was not activated in the region yet.