Senior Fire Officer STNO 1 Michael Walter has urged the public to avoid wasting precious time attempting to douse fires themselves during outbreaks and instead call the Ghana National Fire Service immediately.
According to him, delays in seeking professional help often allow fires to escalate from manageable to devastating levels.
Explaining the role of firefighters at scenes, Officer Walter clarified that their work is not only about extinguishing flames but also involves assessing fire spread and confining it to prevent further destruction.
He noted that most people misunderstand the actions of fire personnel upon arrival, especially when they focus on specific areas rather than the most visible flames.
This strategy, he said, is an internationally accepted approach to managing fully developed fires.
Officer Walter emphasized that every fire starts small and can be easily handled in its early stages if the fire service is called promptly.
He warned that when people try to extinguish fires on their own and fail, the situation often worsens, putting lives and properties at greater risk.
He stressed the importance of early detection and rapid communication with the fire service, highlighting that prompt action can make the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.
