Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO I), George Lumorvi, District Fire Commander for Central Tongu
Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO I), George Lumorvi, the District Fire Commander for Central Tongu, has cautioned residents about a possible increase in the risk of domestic fires during the rainy season.
This increase, he explained, would primarily be caused by electrical faults linked to heavy rainfall and windstorms.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), ADO Lumorvi emphasized that the Ghana National Fire Service in the district is intensifying its Fire Safety Education campaigns across churches, schools, markets, and workplaces.
These efforts, he said, aim to sensitize the public on safety practices to prevent fire outbreaks.
“During the rainy season, we typically record an increase in domestic fire cases, mostly due to electrical faults triggered by thunderstorms, lightning, and falling trees that damage power lines,” he stated.
“We are advising the public to switch off electrical and electronic appliances when it starts to rain or when dark clouds form, to avoid electrical surges.”
He also warned residents against sheltering or parking under trees, which pose significant risks during storms, and advised individuals living in flood-prone areas to be prepared for possible evacuation to safer locations.
ADO Lumorvi, however, highlighted a number of challenges hampering the work of fire officers in the Central Tongu District.
He lamented the inadequate fuel support for operations, the absence of fire hydrants in the district, and the non-payment of utility bills, which has led to threats of disconnection. He also cited the lack of extrication tools for rescuing victims in road traffic accidents.
Other issues he mentioned include the poor maintenance of the fire tender, a shortage of essential equipment such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), breathing apparatus, communication tools (GOTA), office computers, and a lack of vehicles and motorbikes to reach remote communities for safety education.
Lumorvi called on the government and relevant stakeholders to urgently address these logistical and resource constraints to enable the service to respond effectively to emergencies and enhance public safety.
“We are doing our best with the limited resources available, but government intervention is urgently needed to enhance our service delivery,” he stated.
He also appealed to residents to adhere strictly to fire safety protocols, refrain from making prank emergency calls, and ensure that homes and institutions are equipped with functional fire extinguishers—and that individuals are trained to use them confidently.
“We all have a role to play in preventing disasters. Let’s remain alert and committed to safety, especially during this challenging season,” he emphasized.
