By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), Jan 11, GNA – An Assistant Divisional Officer I (ADO I) Prince Essel Junior, Second In-Command, Kadjebi District Command of the Ghana National Fire Service, has urged the inhabitants in the District to handle naked-fires with outmost care to prevent fire outbreaks.
He said residents, especially farmers, hunters and palm wine tappers should exercise caution when handling fire, particularly in the bush or outdoors, to prevent bushfires.
ADO I Essel Jnr., also District Administrator, made these remarks in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.
He said bushfires could have severe and long-term impacts on the environment, wildlife, and human communities.
The District Administrator named loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitats, soil erosion and landslides, air and water pollution, displacement of people and communities, destruction of homes and infrastructure, among others, as some of the negative impacts of bushfires.
ADO I Essel Jnr. said to prevent these, the District Command, had embarked on community sensitisation programmes through the use of Community Information Centres, visits to Churches and Mosques to educate them on the need to prevent fire outbreaks.
He said they also called on the Assembly members, Chiefs and Opinion leaders in the various communities to intensify the education on fire prevention since they are in the dry season.
He said, “fire is a good servant, but a bad master” if not control and used properly.
The Second In-Command advised residents to ensure that fires are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended, keep flammable materials away from heat sources, avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords, dispose of cigarettes and matches property.
ADO I Essel Jnr. also advised farmers desirous of planting during the season, to create fire belt around cleared lands before setting fire to them to help prevent bushfires.
GNA