The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has emphasised the need for alternative water sources to support firefighting operations, warning that reliance on hydrants alone may prove insufficient in emergencies.
A fire hydrant is a pipe in the street from which firefighters can obtain water for putting out a fire.
Speaking on the issue in an interview on the Channel One Newsroom on Saturday April 19, Greater Accra Regional Commander ACFO II Rashid Nisawu advised communities and authorities to prioritise sinking boreholes and collecting water for firefighting purposes.
He cautioned that while hydrants might be available, there is always a risk that they could run dry when needed most.
Nisawu said “My advice is that we should try and sink boreholes and collect water, make them available for fire fighting. If we are not lucky the day of reckoning unfortunately the hydrants may be available but may be dry.”
His remarks come amid the Madina Redco fire incident that claimed one life and destroyed over 100 structures. It is also due to ongoing concerns about Ghana’s firefighting infrastructure, particularly in densely populated areas where access to water sources can be challenging.
The GNFS continues to advocate for improved preparedness, urging proactive measures to mitigate the impact of fire outbreaks.
Authorities and stakeholders are expected to deliberate on sustainable solutions to ensure that adequate water supplies remain accessible for firefighting operations.
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