A fire outbreak has destroyed some 500 wooden structures at Gbagbasete, a suburb of Jamestown in Accra.
The fire reportedly started around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, and rapidly spread through the entire area due to the presence of highly flammable materials.
There were no casualties, and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), which had its training school nearby, rushed to the scene to douse the flames.
Although the exact cause of the fire is not known, eyewitnesses suggest a woman might have left the fire she was using unattended.
Nii Atofotse, a fisherman, said it started with thick smoke, initially leading them to believe it was a burning car tyre.
However, upon closer inspection, they discovered their homes engulfed in flames.
Residents, faced with limited water, had to trek to the sea to fetch water to help contain the fire.
“Indeed, a lot has been destroyed, and I have to thank the fire service for arriving here on time and rescuing us,” he added.
The prompt response of the fire service prevented further damage, as they arrived shortly after the fire began spreading.
Meanwhile, King Nartey, a fire service officer, highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, such as fire hydrants in the area.
“The unfortunate thing and challenge is that there are no fire hydrants here, and if there were fire hydrants at the place, it would make our work easier rather than having to travel to Kaneshie with our appliances to have it replenished and come back to the scene to bring the fire under control,” he said.