The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has reported gains in fire prevention and emergency response for the first quarter of 2026, with notable reductions in fire outbreaks, fatalities and prank calls.

According to the Service’s quarterly report released on April 21, fire incidents declined by 10.02 per cent, while fire-related deaths dropped sharply by 53.5 per cent. Prank calls to emergency lines also fell by 17.8 per cent, reflecting what officials describe as improved public awareness and responsiveness.

In a statement issued by the Head of Public Relations of the GNFS, DO II Desmond E. Ackah, the value of salvaged property rose substantially to GH¢479,457,385.00 from GH¢151,026,471.40 recorded during the same period in 2025, representing an increase of 217.47 per cent. However, the cost of damage also climbed by 28.7 per cent to GH¢215,479,467.00.

Community response improves as OOA cases rise

Out-on-arrival (OOA) cases, where fires are contained by community members before firefighters reach the scene, increased from 558 in 2025 to 651 in 2026, representing a 32 per cent rise. The Service says this trend points to growing community preparedness and early response to fire outbreaks.

Regional and incident breakdown

The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents at 377, followed by the Ashanti Region with 337 cases, while the Oti Region recorded the lowest with 21 incidents.

Domestic fires rose from 770 (34.1 per cent) in 2025 to 881 (42.9 per cent) in 2026, becoming the leading category of fire outbreaks. In contrast, bushfires dropped significantly from 562 (24.9 per cent) to 209 (10.2 per cent). Vehicular fires increased from 159 to 176, while institutional fires rose from 69 to 85.

Fire-related injuries declined markedly by 62.8 per cent, falling from 43 cases in 2025 to 16 in 2026.

Road crashes surge despite fire safety gains

Despite the improvements in fire safety, the report highlighted worrying trends in road safety. Road traffic collision (RTC) cases increased by 46.53 per cent, rising from 144 in 2025 to 211 in 2026.

RTC-related fatalities also rose by 51.2 per cent, from 86 to 130, while injuries surged by 86.4 per cent, increasing from 500 to 932 cases.

Other rescue operations, including responses to bee attacks, structural collapses and entrapment incidents, more than doubled, rising by 119.05 per cent from 42 to 92 cases.

Causes of fires

The GNFS identified major causes of fires during the period as electrical faults resulting from the misuse of appliances, unattended cooking, gas leakages, indiscriminate burning of refuse and vegetation, misuse of naked flames such as mosquito coils, candles and matches, lightning strikes and deliberate acts.

Commitment to public safety

The Service said it remains committed to strengthening public fire safety education through both traditional and digital platforms, with a focus on residential communities, transport hubs, markets and institutions.

It added that fire safety audits and inspections would be intensified in both public and private commercial facilities, while more community fire volunteers would be trained to help prevent and manage bushfires through climate resilience measures.

Management also indicated plans to collaborate with the National Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders to enhance road safety education and reduce the incidence of traffic crashes.

The GNFS urged the public to adhere strictly to basic fire safety practices in order to safeguard lives, property and the environment.