The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has contained a major fire that swept through parts of the Accra Timber Market in the early hours of Saturday, September 13.
According to the GNFS, the service received a distress call at 1:17 a.m. about the fire near the Ayalolo School. The first firefighting crew arrived on the scene just four minutes later, at 1:21 a.m.
A total of seven fire engines were deployed from stations at Accra City, the Accra Regional Headquarters Substation, Ministries, Circle, National Headquarters, Abelemkpe, and Legon.
They were supported by one GNFS water tanker and two additional tankers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Ablekuma Municipal Assembly.
The coordinated effort meant the fire was confined by 6:26 a.m., brought under control by 6:37 a.m., and finally extinguished by 11:44 a.m.
Two firefighters sustained injuries during the operation. One suffered an electrical shock, and another sustained burns on the left arm. Both have since been treated, discharged, and are said to be responding well to treatment.
While several shops selling wooden planks and hardware materials were destroyed, the GNFS said adjoining buildings, including the Ayalolo Cluster of Schools, were saved from the blaze because of the swift intervention of fire crews.
The Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, was at the scene to assess the situation and provide operational support.
She was joined by the Deputy Director of Operations, ACFO II Osmond Anum, the Greater Accra Regional Commander, ACFO II Rashid Kwame Nisawu, and other senior officers who supervised firefighting coordination.