File photo of a fire tender
The Eastern Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has dismissed media reports suggesting that unknown individuals attempted to set a fire tender ablaze in Nkawkaw.
In a press release issued on Friday, June 13, the Service described the reports as “false and misleading,” clarifying that no such attack occurred. According to the statement, the incident in question took place on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, around 9:16 p.m., when the Nkawkaw Fire Station received a distress call about a fire outbreak at Zaragoza Atta Ne Atta involving a nine-bedroom self-contained house.
While en route to the scene, the fire tender got stuck in a muddy portion of the road, which was filled with charcoal. In an effort to maneuver the vehicle out of the mud, heat from the fire engine and its exhaust ignited the charcoal underneath, causing visible smoke.
“This smoke and flames were misinterpreted by onlookers as an attempt by unknown persons to set the fire tender on fire,” the statement explained.
GNFS stressed that “at no point in time did anyone attempt to set the fire tender ablaze,” adding that there was no malicious intent involved.
Due to the terrain challenges and the immobilized vehicle, the crew could not reach the fire scene, prompting the rapid dispatch of a backup tender from Mpraeso to manage the situation.
The Regional Commander, ACFO I Timothy Osafo-Affum, assured the public of the Service’s unwavering commitment to responding swiftly and professionally to all emergency calls.
