After fire outbreak on separate instances burned down structures at the Sirigu market in the Kassena Nankana West District without immediate response by the Fire Service, community leaders were compelled to look for a more sustainable solution to fighting fire in the community, resulting in the establishment of a new Fire Service Post.
The Paramount Chief of the Sirigu Traditional Area, Naba Atogumdeya Roland Akwara III, explained that the community members could not come to terms with challenges that led to the Fire Service not being able to respond promptly to fire disasters which led to some altercations in the past.
Observing that the establishment of a Fire Service Post was critical to successfully preventing and controlling fire, the people of Sirigu subsequently organized themselves and renovated some structures previously used by Afrikids Ghana to be utilized as the Fire Service Post.
Though the Fire post has no fire tender, emphasis will be placed on education, and in instances, where there are emergencies, the presence of the stationed officers will help provide immediate guidance while they call in the fire tender.
As part of efforts to intensify education on preventing fire, bush burning and fight fire, 66 fire volunteers from the community have been trained.
Narrating the struggles of residents to fight fire at the market before the official commissioning, the Paramount Chief, detailed the struggle to fight fire at the Sirigu Market. He explained that the decision to have the post is therefore to champion the education of residents to prevent fire and control same.
He expressed excitement that Fire Service personnel will be stationed in the community while pledging his unwavering support to the officers that have been stationed in the area.
“It is a great day because, five years ago, our market which is one of the vibrant markets in the district, had some structures engulfed by fire, four times and they could not fight it. The response due to the nature of the road and the distance made it difficult for the Fire Service and we decided to organize and establish a Fire Post here,” he stated.
“The focus is to have education that is relevant in preventing fire. We are overwhelmed and happy that we are going to see fire service personnel sleeping in the community and helping us.” The Paramount Chief stressed.
On his part, the Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Anthony Gyasi Boateng, noted that preventing and fighting fire must be done collectively to realize the needed results.
He said the post would lead to education and sensitization on preventing and controlling fire.
