The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has debunked the widely held belief that fire outbreaks do not occur during the rainy season, warning that homes remain highly vulnerable to domestic fires despite the wet weather.
Sekondi Metro Deputy Regional Public Relations Officer ADO I Afua Pongo explained that while rainfall may reduce the incidence of bushfires, it does little to eliminate fires caused by unsafe practices in homes.
According to the officer, domestic fires during the rainy season are often triggered by the improper use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), faulty electrical installations, substandard electrical materials, naked flames, and poor fire safety habits.
They noted that unlike many commercial buildings, which are routinely inspected and required to comply with fire safety regulations, most homes do not undergo regular safety checks, leaving occupants more exposed to fire risks.
The Fire Service also urged homeowners to engage only Energy Commission-certified electricians for electrical installations and repairs and to ensure water heaters and bathroom boilers are properly maintained and disconnected immediately when faults are detected.
In addition, the GNFS advised residents to vacate buildings that show signs of structural weakness after prolonged heavy rains and cautioned against living in or constructing buildings in flood-prone or swampy areas.
The Service further encouraged families to develop emergency response plans for both fire and flood situations to improve preparedness.
The GNFS appealed to the public to remain vigilant throughout the rainy season, stressing that fire prevention measures should not be relaxed simply because the rains have set in.
