The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued a warning to parents and guardians to take extra precautions to protect children from domestic fire incidents during the ongoing school vacation.
According to the Service, children are at greater risk of fire-related accidents during holiday periods, when they spend extended hours at home without close supervision.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Tema, Assistant Divisional Officer Grade I (ADO I) Richmond Asamoah Frimpong of the GNFS Tema Regional Command said domestic fires involving children often increase during school breaks.
“During school vacations, children stay at home for longer periods, and this increases their exposure to potential fire hazards,” he said.
ADO I Frimpong urged parents to ensure children are closely supervised, particularly around hot surfaces such as stoves, grills and heaters. He also advised households to store chemicals and flammable substances well out of children’s reach.
To reduce the risk of accidents, he recommended the use of physical barriers, such as baby gates, to restrict children’s access to cooking areas, fireplaces and other sources of heat.
“Parents must ensure that flammable items like blankets, curtains and clothing are kept away from children, especially in situations where they may be left at home,” he added.
The fire officer further cautioned against leaving matches and lighters within reach of children and advised parents to switch off all electrical appliances before leaving the house. He stressed the importance of observing basic electrical safety practices, including avoiding overloaded sockets and damaged wiring.
ADO I Frimpong also encouraged parents to educate their children on fire safety behaviour, particularly what to do in the event of an emergency.
“Children should be taught to evacuate immediately and call for help from a safe location. They must never go back into a burning building for any reason,” he said.
He also advised households to use flashlights instead of candles during power outages, noting that naked flames significantly increase the risk of fire outbreaks in homes.
The Ghana National Fire Service has consistently warned that many domestic fires are preventable and often result from carelessness, poor supervision and unsafe electrical practices.
The Service continues to urge the public to prioritise fire safety at home, especially during periods when children are most vulnerable.
GNFS says it remains committed to public education and community engagement to reduce fire incidents and protect lives and property across the country.