The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) says it has successfully put out a major fire at a fuel storage site located at the Albert Bosomtwe-Sam Fishing Harbour in Sekondi.
Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported.
According to the Service, the fire started at a fuel storage area used by local fishermen. Firefighters, together with other security and emergency agencies, worked for several hours to bring the situation under control.
Officials said firefighters from the Sekondi Metro Fire Station were the first to arrive at the scene at 4:44 p.m., about 10 minutes after receiving an emergency call.
When they got there, the fuel storage facility was already heavily engulfed in flames.
Additional support later came from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the Ghana Navy Fire Service, and the Ghana Air Force Fire Service. Together, they deployed four fire tenders and a water tanker to help fight the blaze.
Firefighters used foam and large amounts of water to contain the fire, which involved highly flammable fuel materials. The fire was brought under control at 6:13 p.m. and completely extinguished at 8:15 p.m., despite ongoing rainfall.
The fire destroyed two saloon cars, several fuel tanks, drums, and underground fuel storage facilities. Part of a wall belonging to the GPHA main administration block was also damaged.
Initial findings suggest that the heavy rain may have caused a landslide behind the fuel storage area. The landslide reportedly pushed debris, including trees, rocks, and an electricity pole, onto the facility.
Officials said the impact and resulting electrical sparks are believed to have ignited fuel vapours, though investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause.
The GNFS said the quick response by firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby facilities, including fishing vessels, power installations, and a larger fuel depot.
Authorities noted that this helped avert what could have been a major industrial disaster.
No injuries or fatalities were recorded, and officials praised the coordinated efforts of all the agencies involved.
Investigations are continuing.
