An early morning fire has destroyed a four-bedroom apartment at Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono Region, leaving tenants devastated and reigniting concerns over the prolonged breakdown of the municipality’s fire tender.
The blaze broke out at about 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, and quickly spread through the building before residents could mount an effective response.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as occupants rushed out of the building to safety. Some attempted to salvage their belongings while others formed bucket lines in a desperate effort to control the flames.
Residents say the situation was worsened by the absence of a functioning municipal fire engine, which they claim has been out of service for nearly three months.
“We did everything we could, but the fire was too intense,” one tenant said. “If the fire tender had been working, maybe the damage wouldn’t have been this severe.”
Dormaa Central Municipal Fire Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, DOIII Eunice Adwoa Serwaa, disclosed in an interview that preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an air conditioning unit connected with substandard electrical cables.
“Our initial findings indicate that the fire started from an air conditioner connected with inferior wiring,” she said. “We urge residents to ensure that electrical installations are carried out by qualified professionals using approved materials.”
She also cautioned residents of Dormaa Ahenkro and nearby communities to be extra careful when using electrical appliances and handling open flames, particularly in the absence of the municipality’s fire tender.
The incident has renewed calls for urgent intervention by authorities. Some residents expressed frustration that the lack of a functioning fire engine delayed efforts to contain the blaze.
“This situation is worrying,” a resident said. “We are appealing to the authorities to repair the existing fire tender or provide a new one to protect lives and property.”
Although no injuries were reported, the fire has left affected families counting heavy losses after their homes and possessions were destroyed.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
