By Jerry Azanduna
Mirigu (UE/R) July 23, GNA-Mirigu community in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region has benefited from the community Fire Volunteer programme initiated by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to fight fire in the communities.
The programme which is aimed at ending the outbreak of fires in the communities has so far trained over 85 volunteers for the Mirigu community alone, 100 for Sirigu and other communities to stop the outbreak of wildfires that could destroy lives and property.
Fire volunteers continue to play a pivotal role by being practically involved in the modus operandi in the fight against fire outbreaks by instigating community involvement in the prevention and management of undesired fires.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO), Mr Anthony Gyasi Boateng Upper East Regional Fire Commander, disclosed this on Monday at Mirigu when he commissioned a fire post and inaugurated 85 fire volunteers for the community.
DCFO Mr Boateng lauded the initiative, stating that it would contribute to the combating of both domestic and wildfires in the area.
DCFO Mr Boateng noted that there was the need for all to take precautions when dealing with it so it may continue to always be a good servant.
He lamented that in recent times the region was recording high figures in domestic and bushfires, which are most associated with a lack of education and awareness creation on fire hazards.
DCFO Mr Boateng disclosed that the Upper East Region recorded 247 fires in 2023 with domestic fires at its peak with a total number of 121 fires.
He said that comparatively fire outbreaks for the period of January to March 2024 so far indicated that domestic fires were on the rise with a total number of 71.
He pointed out that there was the need for urgent preventive measures to be taken to prevent its escalation to protect lives and properties in the area and its surroundings.
He said stakeholders, including the communities, the Ghana National Fire Service and its partners to educate the people to imbibe the practice of fire safety was paramount.
DCOF Mr Boateng explained that the fire post would operate with an emphasis on education through an established fire educational unit such as a rural fire safety department with the requisite tools and equipment available to meet the task.
He commended the Paramount Chief of the area for the initiative and called on the community members to support officers posted to the area so as to achieve the intended goal.
Naba Dr Kenneth Asayah I, Divisional Chief of Kumbusingo in the Mirigu Traditional, who represented Naba Anthony Anonsona Abisa Atasige III, paramount Chief of the Mirigu traditional area, lauded the initiative and assured the commitment of the community to unveil support for the officers posted to the post.
He further assured the community to continue to lobby for the logistics such as a fire tender and equipment that would aid both officers and volunteers to combat fire in the area.
GNA