By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Feb. 5, GNA – The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Volta Region has warned the public, particularly residents of Ho and its surrounding areas, to take extra precautions to prevent fires, as the ongoing water crisis in the municipality is affecting firefighting operations.
They said the acute shortage of water had left them unable to operate at full capacity, as their firefighting efforts relied on a steady supply of water.
Currently, they are forced to purchase water from private boreholes and well operators before responding to emergencies.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO1), Mr. Mawuli Amedzo, from the Volta Regional Public Relations and Education Unit of GNFS, emphasised the need for residents to be cautious.
Mr. Amedzo explained that without access to a reliable water supply, their ability to contain and extinguish fires was limited.
“Our main weapon in firefighting is water, and right now, we don’t have it. This means if a fire outbreak occurs, our response will be delayed or less effective. We are doing our best to source water, but the situation is critical,” he stated.
He advised residents to adopt fire safety measures, such as: turning off electrical appliances when not in use to prevent electrical fires, avoiding the indiscriminate burning of refuse, or open flames near flammable materials.
Properly handling gas cylinders and stoves and avoid keeping gas cylinders indoors to prevent gas explosions. Keeping extinguishers at home and in workplaces as a first line of defense.
Mr. Amedzo also called on the government and local authorities to address the water crisis, as the lack of water not only affected households and businesses but also put lives and property at risk in the event of a fire outbreak.
Meanwhile, the GNFS is urging residents to report any fire incidents promptly while they continue to seek alternative water sources to maintain their operations.
GNA