7 Most Common Causes of House Fires in Ghana

Do you know that you have only 2 minutes to evacuate premises under flames?

According to the Ghana National Fire Service report in May, 1,852 fires were recorded in the first quarter of 2017 with an estimated loss of GHS 6,160,173.87.

Non-adherence to fire safety rules are the main causes of fire at home. Below are the 7 common causes of fire in a Ghanaian home

1. Careless use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

LPG are flammable mixtures of hydrocarbon gases used as fuel in heating appliances, cooking equipment and vehicles. You need to check for leakages on gaskets, valves, tubes and regulators to prevent explosion. Remember to keep cylinders highly ventilated and away for any source of ignition to allow LP gas escape into the air in case of a leak.

Also inspect for rust and perforations on cylinder and make sure valve faces upwards when in use. Do not forget to turn off regulator when leaving home to prevent unexpected fire.

2. Overloading electrical sockets

We all depend on electrical appliances to cook, clean and for entertainment. The power rating on a device is a guide to ensure users plug in safely. Plugging in a refrigerator, kettle and microwave on a single socket increases the risk of fire.Always ensure cables are well labelled and insulated.

3. Poor maintenance of electrical equipment

Electrical appliances may develop faults due to power fluctuations and poor handling. It is always safe to acquire the services of qualified electrical technicians to fix faulty or broken equipment. Do not task your ward with technical aspirations to fix a faulty device.

4. Candles, Kerosene lamps and Smoking

Lifestyle choices can spark fire at home with little carelessness. Proper labelling and storage of flammable materials can prevent fire at home. Failure to properly quench candles, kerosene lamps and cigarette butts can lead to fire outbreaks. Fire does not discriminate. It causes havoc regardless of the price of the source. Be vigilant and do not drop our guard.

5. Faulty wiring

Homes with inadequate wiring can catch fire from electrical hazards. Signs of poor house wiring are:Lights dim when you use other appliancesFor an appliance to work, you have to disconnect anotherFuses blow up frequentlyYou need to contact a qualified technician for inspection and inform your landlord if you notice any of the indicators mentioned above.

6. Barbecues

Barbecues are great for an outdoor meal, but should always be used away from flammable objects. Keep barbecues maintained and clean with soapy water. Do not set your house in flames while feasting. Always check for leakages before use.

7. Curious Children

Children can cause fire out of curiosity; to see what would happen when they set fire to an object. It is the duty of parents and guardians to keep all flammable materials out if reach of children. It is best to install smoke alarm systems and teach kids escape routes in the house. Also train children on how to dial emergency numbers and communicate home address to Fire Service personnel.

You can reach Ghana National Fire Service on 192/999 in case of fire. Ultimately, individuals and community groups should endeavour to volunteer to fight fire in their vicinity. We have to learn the right way to make sure our families and properties are not at risk of any fire disaster.

Click here to learn more on how to use a fire extinguisher.