Filed by PRO, Western Region
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), working alongside the Air Force Base Fire Department, has successfully contained two separate fire outbreaks in Takoradi in the Western Region.
The incidents involved a warehouse fire at Somoco Company Limited, a tricycle assembly company near the Takoradi Air Force Base, and a bushfire close to Takoradi Technical University (TTU).
Both incidents occurred on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with firefighters responding swiftly to prevent further destruction and protect lives and property.
Somoco Warehouse Fire Destroys 10 Tricycles
The warehouse fire at Somoco Company Limited was reported to the Ghana National Fire Service at 10:37 a.m. The blaze destroyed 10 tricycles before firefighters brought the situation under control.
Firefighters from the Sekondi Metro Fire Station, supported by personnel from the Air Force Base Fire Department, worked together to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings and a nearby shopping mall.
The fire was brought under control at 11:11 a.m. and completely extinguished at 11:20 a.m. Although 10 tricycles were destroyed, the emergency response helped save more than 2,000 other tricycles.
No casualties were recorded during the incident. Investigations are currently underway to establish the cause of the Somoco warehouse fire.
GNFS Extinguishes Bushfire Near Takoradi Technical University
Hours after responding to the warehouse fire, the Sekondi Metro Fire Station received another distress call concerning a bushfire near Takoradi Technical University.
The call was received at 11:55 a.m., prompting a six-member firefighting team led by ADO I Kenneth Agbavor to respond to the scene.
The team brought the bushfire under control at 12:07 p.m. and fully extinguished it at 12:15 p.m., preventing the flames from spreading to surrounding vegetation and nearby buildings.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the bushfire may have started when uncontrolled refuse burning spread to dry weeds in the area.
No injuries or deaths were reported in connection with the bushfire.
Western Regional Fire Commander Warns Against Uncontrolled Burning
The Western Regional Commander of the GNFS, ACFO I Cecil B. R. Addo, and the Sekondi Metro Fire Officer, DO II Michael Tetteh, were among the officers present during the response to the Somoco warehouse fire.
The Regional Commander also visited the scene of the bushfire and cautioned residents against indiscriminate burning of refuse and vegetation.
He reminded the public that uncontrolled bush burning is prohibited under the Control and Prevention of Bushfires Law, 1990 (P.N.D.C.L. 229).
The warning comes as the Fire Service continues to encourage communities to adopt safer waste disposal practices and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks, particularly during periods when dry vegetation can easily ignite.
GNFS Urges Businesses to Strengthen Fire Safety Measures
Following the two incidents, the Ghana National Fire Service has called on businesses, warehouse operators and other commercial establishments to improve their fire prevention measures.
The Service has advised warehouse owners to obtain the required fire safety certification, maintain appropriate storage arrangements and ensure that their premises comply with relevant fire safety requirements.
Residents have also been urged to dispose of refuse responsibly and avoid burning waste near dry vegetation, buildings and fuel installations.
The GNFS stressed that fire prevention remains essential to protecting lives, businesses, public infrastructure and the environment.
The successful containment of the Somoco warehouse fire and the bushfire near TTU highlights the importance of rapid emergency response, public cooperation and strict adherence to fire safety guidelines in preventing major fire disasters in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com