Swift response averts Christmas tragedy in La Olympio Abafum fire

What began as a terrifying Friday night for residents of La Olympio Abafum could have ended in disaster.

Instead, quick action and strong coordination by emergency services turned a fast-spreading fire into a story of lives saved and homes protected.

The fire broke out around 7:28 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, racing through a cluster of wooden structures in the densely populated community.

Thick smoke billowed into the night sky as flames fed on closely packed buildings, a common and dangerous reality in informal settlements.

Firefighters from the Trade Fair Fire Station, led by Assistant Divisional Officer I (ADO I) Matthew Y. Quaye, were the first to arrive.

They were met by an intense, fully developed blaze and serious access challenges caused by narrow alleys and makeshift construction, according to a statement from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

In communities like Abafum, where wooden structures stand shoulder to shoulder, fires can spread in seconds. Recognizing the risk, additional support was quickly deployed.

Two heavy-duty fire engines from the Military Fire Unit and the Parliament Fire Station joined the operation, strengthening efforts to contain the flames.

The response was marked by effective coordination. As firefighters worked to douse the fire, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) swiftly cut power to the area, preventing the danger of electrocution from exposed or sagging electrical lines.

At the same time, the Ghana Police Service secured the scene, controlling crowds and ensuring emergency crews could operate without interference.

Although four single rooms and their contents were destroyed, firefighters successfully saved several nearby residential buildings from being consumed by the flames, the GNFS confirmed.

Most importantly, no injuries or deaths were recorded.

At a time when Ghana has experienced a reported 33 percent increase in fire-related injuries this year, the Abafum incident stands out as a clear success for emergency responders.

GNFS leadership praised Lima Wun, all supporting officers, and partner agencies for their professionalism, teamwork, and swift action—efforts that spared dozens of families from a devastating Christmas loss.