The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) says the lack of access routes affected effective fighting of the James Town and Madina Market fires.
According to the GNFS, the extreme congestion of both places made it difficult for them to put out the fire.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the fire outbreak at the Madina market on April 10, the Assistant Divisional Officer 1 (ADO1) Alex King Nartey, said the firemen faced challenges in putting out the fires because they could not move the tenders.
According to him, apart from the unavailability of access routes, the market was not properly mapped out, and fire hydrant were unavailable.
"The lack of access routes and poor mapping of the market made the fire spread faster," he said.
ADO1 Nartey stated that the GNFS managed to prevent the fire from spreading, thus salvaging about 1000 stores, shops and adjoining properties after nine hours of fire fighting.
He stated that the fire started around 9pm; affecting about 200 stores but the cause remains unknown.
The Assembly Member for the area, Mr Abdul-Jalil Yakubu who was there to assess the situation bemoaned the extent of the damage.
He assured that he would liaise with the appropriate authorities and stakeholders to map out modalities.
The April 10 inferno at the market ravaged goods and properties until it was finally subdued around 5:30 am on Thursday morning.
In a related development, fire gutted over 500 wooden structures at a slum at Jamestown in Accra on Tuesday, April 9 leaving hundreds of people homeless.
According to the Assistant Divisional Assistant, just like the Madina Market fire, there were no access routes for fire tenders.
“Accessibility to the site of fire was difficult as structures had been built too close to each other,” ADO1 Nartey said.
“Most of the fire outbreaks would be avoidable if best practices on fire safety are adhered to,” he added.
Latest Stories
-
Ekow Barnes appointed Editor of Guzangs
2 hours -
ORAL is legal and constitutional – Dr Ayine defends
3 hours -
NDC issues directive on MMDCE appointments, calls for fair and competent selection process
3 hours -
Jospong Group pledges support for government’s 24-Hour economy initiative
3 hours -
Afriwave Telecom supports St Martins SHS with 2 washroom facilities
4 hours -
Mahama directs enhanced security at markets amid fire incidents
5 hours -
Songor Lagoon dispute: Ada MP urges calm, assures residents of Mahama’s intervention
5 hours -
Spotify and Sony Music Publishing hosts Music Publishing Camp in Ghana
5 hours -
I’ll not compromise on the interest of Ghana – Dr Ayine
5 hours -
Monetary finance must be eliminated – Ato Forson
5 hours -
We’ll review, analyse, and ensure proper accountability – Jinapor on Gold for Oil policy
5 hours -
Jinapor unveils ambitious plan to revive dormant refinery
5 hours -
Breaking barriers: The inspiring tale of a single mother who achieved her PhD dreams on a foreign land
6 hours -
Afenyo-Markin walks out on Appointment Committee during Ayine vetting
6 hours -
KNUST appoints Kwasi Debrah as Digital Communications Officer
6 hours