It was a race against time and urban congestion on Friday night, December 19, 2025, as firefighters battled a fierce blaze that threatened to engulf a densely populated section of La Olympio Abafum.
The fire broke out around 7:28 p.m., quickly consuming a cluster of wooden structures and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
Despite the community’s narrow alleys and makeshift construction, a multi-agency task force successfully prevented what could have been a Christmas catastrophe for dozens of families.
Led by Assistant Divisional Officer I (ADO I) Matthew Y. Quaye, the first team from the Trade Fair Fire Station arrived within minutes to find a fully developed fire, according to a release from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
In settlements like Abafum, wooden structures act as tinder, allowing fires to spread rapidly from one building to another.
The initial response was reinforced by two heavy-duty engines from the Military Fire Unit and the Parliament Fire Station, showcasing proactive coordination.
As firefighters laid hoses, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) moved quickly to isolate power in the area, mitigating the risk of electrocution from sagging live wires.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service cordoned off the scene and managed onlookers to allow the fire crews to operate without obstruction.
“While four single rooms and their contents were damaged, several adjoining residential buildings were successfully saved,” the GNFS reported.
Remarkably, there were no casualties.
In a year when Ghana has seen a 33% rise in fire-related injuries, the swift and coordinated response at Abafum stands as a major success for the GNFS.
GNFS leadership commended Lima Wun, supporting officers, and partner agencies for their “professionalism, coordination, and rapid operational support.”
