World Firefighters' Day Celebration: Fire Service Urges Public to Refrain from Attacking Firefighters

Fire Service Urges Public to Refrain from Attacking Firefighters

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has intensified its public education campaign ahead of this year's International Firefighters' Day, calling on Ghanaians to desist from attacking firefighters during emergency operations.

Assistant Divisional Officer Enock Tetteh of the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal Fire Service Division made the appeal during an educational visit by students in Bibiani. The exercise formed part of activities marking the annual celebration and aimed at educating the younger generation on fire safety and the crucial role firefighters play in society.

During the visit, personnel of the Fire Service took the students through a practical demonstration of their operational equipment, explaining the various tools used in firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency response. The students were also given the opportunity to interact with officers and learn firsthand how the equipment is operated during emergencies.

Addressing the students and the public, Mr. Tetteh condemned the increasing incidents of hostility and attacks against firefighters during rescue missions, describing such actions as dangerous, unacceptable, and detrimental to public safety.

He noted that firefighters often put their lives on the line to save lives and property, and therefore deserve the full cooperation and support of the public.

"Instead of assisting firefighters during emergencies, some individuals choose to attack personnel and, in some cases, destroy essential equipment. Such actions only worsen already critical situations," he stated.

Mr. Tetteh stressed that public cooperation is vital in ensuring effective emergency response and protecting communities from the devastating effects of fire outbreaks.

He further advised residents to adopt preventive fire safety measures, including switching off electrical appliances when leaving their homes, avoiding overloaded electrical sockets, and engaging qualified electricians for all wiring installations.

According to him, fire prevention remains a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of every member of society.

This year's International Firefighters' Day is being celebrated under the theme: "An attack on firefighters and equipment is an attack on public safety; support and protect the firefighter."

The climax of the celebration will take place on May 4.

Some of the students who participated in the educational visit expressed their appreciation to the Ghana National Fire Service for the enlightening program.

They described the exercise as highly educational and beneficial, saying it had broadened their understanding of fire safety, emergency response, and the sacrifices firefighters make daily.

Several students said they learned how to properly use fire extinguishers, the importance of quickly calling emergency services during fire outbreaks, and basic safety precautions that can help prevent fires at home and in school.

Others noted that the demonstration had inspired them to develop greater respect for firefighters and the critical services they provide to communities.

The students thanked the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal Fire Service Division for organizing the program and appealed for more such educational engagements in schools.

They pledged to share the knowledge gained with their families, friends, and classmates to help promote fire safety awareness within their communities.

Source:Bibianinews.com