An early morning fire has razed a four-bedroom apartment in Dormaa Ahenkro, leaving tenants devastated and renewing public concern over the prolonged breakdown of the municipality’s fire tender.
The blaze erupted at about 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 4 March, spreading rapidly through the structure before residents could mount an effective response.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and desperation as occupants rushed to safety, some attempting to salvage personal belongings while others formed bucket lines in a frantic effort to contain the flames.
Residents say the absence of a functional municipal fire engine, reportedly out of service for nearly three months significantly worsened the situation.
“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.”
DOIII Eunice Adwoa Serwaa, Dormaa Central Municipal Fire Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, disclosed in an interview that preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by an air conditioning unit installed with substandard electrical cables in one of the rooms.
“Our initial findings indicate that the fire started from an air conditioner connected with inferior wiring,” she explained. “We urge residents to ensure that electrical installations are carried out by qualified professionals using approved materials.”
She further cautioned residents in Dormaa Ahenkro and surrounding communities to exercise vigilance in handling electrical appliances and open flames, especially given the current unavailability of the municipal fire tender.
The incident has intensified calls for urgent government intervention. Several residents expressed frustration that the lack of a functioning fire engine hindered the ability of emergency responders to swiftly contain the blaze.
“This situation is worrying,” a community member lamented. “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 emotional and financial toll on the affected families is profound. Within minutes, years of hard work and treasured possessions were reduced to ashes.
As investigations continue, the people of Dormaa Ahenkro are left grappling not only with the aftermath of the fire, but with pressing questions about emergency preparedness and the safety of their community.
Report by Daniel Donkor in the Bono Region
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