By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, April 22, GNA – The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has recorded significant gains in fire safety and emergency response in the first quarter of 2026, with marked reductions in fire incidents, deaths, injuries, and prank calls, according to its latest data report.
From January to March 2026, total fire outbreaks dropped by 10.02 per cent, declining from 2,261 cases in 2025 to 2,055 this year.
Fire-related deaths fell sharply by 53.5 per cent from 15 to seven, while injuries reduced by 62.79 per cent, from 43 to 16 cases.
The Service attributed the improvements to intensified public education, better compliance with fire safety protocols, and enhanced response strategies.
Bushfires also saw a notable decline of 10.2 per cent, while prank calls to emergency lines reduced by 17.8 per cent, freeing up critical resources for genuine emergencies.
A major highlight of the report was the substantial increase in the value of salvaged properties, which rose by 217.47 per cent to GH¢479.46 million in 2026, compared to GH¢151.03 million in the same period last year.
Divisional Officer II Desmond Ackah, the Head of Public Relations, however, noted that the cost of damaged properties also increased by 28.7 per cent to GH¢215.48 million, reflecting the growing value of assets at risk.
The report noted a rise in Out-On-Arrival (OOA) cases from 558 to 651, indicating improved community response to fire outbreaks before the arrival of firefighters.
Mr Ackah described this as evidence of the positive impact of sustained fire safety education nationwide.
Regionally, Greater Accra recorded the highest number of fire incidents at 377, followed by Ashanti with 337 and Central Region with 184 cases. The Oti Region reported the lowest with 21 incidents.
In terms of fire types, domestic fires increased significantly to 881 cases, representing 42.9 per cent of total incidents, up from 770 in 2025. Commercial, vehicular, institutional, and industrial fires also recorded slight increases.
However, bushfires dropped sharply from 562 to 209 cases, marking one of the most significant improvements.
Despite gains in fire safety, the GNFS expressed concern over rising road traffic collision (RTC) cases.
Incidents increased by 46.53 per cent from 144 to 211, while related deaths rose by 51.2 per cent and injuries surged by 86.4 per cent.
Additionally, other rescue operations including incidents such as structural collapses, bee attacks, and rescue from heights, more than doubled from 42 to 92 cases, with associated deaths increasing from seven to 16.
The Service identified major causes of fires during the period as electrical faults, unattended cooking, gas leakages, indiscriminate burning, misuse of naked flames, lightning, and deliberate acts.
It said the overall trend reflected improved fire prevention outcomes.
To sustain gains and address new risks, the Service pledged to intensify public education campaigns, strengthen fire safety inspections, and expand community volunteer programmes, particularly in bushfire-prone areas.
It also announced plans to collaborate closely with the National Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders to curb road crashes and improve emergency response.
“The progress made demonstrates the impact of public awareness and proactive fire management. However, the rising road traffic incidents and rescue cases require urgent, coordinated interventions,” the report said.
The GNFS urged the public to adhere strictly to fire safety protocols to help protect lives, property, and the environment.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe