Accra, April 22, – Fire incidents across the country dropped in the first quarter of 2026, but road traffic crashes and related emergencies recorded sharp increases, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has reported.
Data released by the Service showed that fire outbreaks reduced by 10.02 per cent, falling from 2,261 cases in the same period in 2025 to 2,055 between January and March 2026.
Fatalities from fires also declined significantly from 15 to seven, representing a 53.5 per cent drop, while injuries decreased from 43 to 16, a reduction of 62.79 per cent.
The GNFS attributed the improvement to intensified public education, better adherence to safety measures, and enhanced emergency response strategies.
Bushfires recorded one of the steepest declines, dropping from 562 cases to 209, while prank calls to emergency lines reduced by 17.8 per cent.
The Service also reported a major increase in the value of properties saved during fire incidents, rising by over 217 per cent to GH¢479.46 million.
However, the cost of destroyed property rose to GH¢215.48 million, reflecting the higher value of assets exposed to fire risks.
Divisional Officer II Desmond Ackah, Head of Public Relations, noted an increase in Out-On-Arrival (OOA) cases from 558 to 651, indicating improved initial responses by communities before firefighters arrived.
Regionally, Greater Accra recorded the highest number of fire incidents at 377, followed by Ashanti with 337 and Central Region with 184, while Oti Region reported the least with 21 cases.
Despite the overall decline in fires, domestic fire incidents increased to 881 cases, accounting for 42.9 per cent of total outbreaks.
The GNFS expressed concern over a sharp rise in road traffic collision cases, which jumped from 144 to 211, representing a 46.53 per cent increase.
Deaths from such incidents rose by 51.2 per cent, while injuries surged by 86.4 per cent.
Other rescue operations, including responses to building collapses, bee attacks, and height-related incidents, more than doubled from 42 to 92 cases, with associated deaths rising from seven to 16.
The Service identified common causes of fires as electrical faults, unattended cooking, gas leaks, indiscriminate burning, naked flames, lightning, and deliberate acts.
It said although gains had been made in fire prevention, emerging risks required urgent attention.
The GNFS pledged to intensify public education, strengthen inspections, and expand community-based volunteer programmes, particularly in areas prone to bushfires.
It also announced plans to collaborate with the National Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders to address the growing number of road crashes.
The Service urged the public to strictly observe fire safety measures to safeguard lives and property.
GHBUSS
22 April 2026
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