The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has called on business owners, particularly warehouse operators, to strictly observe fire safety measures following the massive blaze that destroyed the China City Mall in Kumasi.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Joshua Kodjo Mensah on Friday, October 31, Head of Public Relations, Divisional Officer (DO II) Desmond E. Ackah, said the Service’s investigation and on-site experience revealed major lapses in safety practices that worsened the spread of the fire.
Recounting lessons from the incident, Mr. Ackah urged traders and facility managers to improve housekeeping and storage arrangements in their buildings.
“When it comes to stocking the warehouse, we need to be able to employ all the safety protocols pertaining to housekeeping. We don’t have to stock to ceiling levels. We need to ensure the stock levels are not packed in such a way that they obstruct the walls,” he said.
He explained that poor spacing between goods could trigger overheating and even spontaneous ignition. “There has to be adequate spacing in between the wares that are being stored, so that there wouldn’t be overheating and even spontaneous ignition happening,” he noted.
The officer stressed the importance of continuous fire safety training, saying many facilities have extinguishers but lack the skills to use them effectively.
“It is important for places like that to continuously go through fire safety training, especially on the use of portable fire extinguishers. It’s not enough to have them — you must know how to deploy them effectively,” he emphasized.
He also warned that late reporting of fire incidents remains one of the biggest challenges in firefighting operations.
“We have always been advocating that early calls save lives and property. Even if you have been trained to use a fire extinguisher, it is important that you call us as quickly as possible,” he said.
According to him, the delay in alerting the GNFS during the China City Mall fire hampered their initial response.
He advised individuals and businesses by stressing that quick reporting and collaboration are essential in minimizing damage.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
