The Ghana National Fire Service in the Oti Region has observed the International Fire Fighters Day (IFFD) with a call on the public to help fight indiscriminate bush burning.
The Regional Fire Officer (ACFO), Mr Alhaji Gibril, who made the call, said it was important the public guard against undesired fires to protect the Oti Region’s rich vegetation and natural resources for rapid socio-economic development.
Mr Gibril was speaking during an exercise to remember the efforts of five fighters, who perished in the course of saving lives and properties fighting a bushfire in Lington community in Australia on December 2, 1998.
He said though the fire situation in the Oti Region was not alarming due to the over 90 per cent fire cover, prompt response and strict fire safety policies, there was the need to intensify public education on fire safety.
The Region has recorded a total of 70 fire outbreaks in the peak seasons from December 2019 to March 2020.
He said from December 2020 to March 2021, the region recorded some 28 fire outbreaks with bushfires being the highest and followed by domestic.
Alhaji Gibril said robust fire safety and other related sensitization would be intensified at the Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs), educational institutions and other human habitation to change the attitude of sections, who carelessly violate safety regulations.
He said the Regional Command would continue to activate strategic plans and contingencies tailored towards providing utmost fire cover for the Region as directed by the leadership of the Ghana National Fire Service.
He appealed to all Fire personnel to associate themselves with Chief Fire Officer, Edwin Ekow Blankson’s modernisation agenda in the Ghana National Fire Service five-year strategic policy.
