Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have successfully contained a major fire that erupted on Sunday at Zongo Lane, near Rawlings Park in Accra.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours, consumed multiple shops, but swift action by the GNFS prevented it from spreading further and endangering lives and nearby properties.

Roberta Aggrey Ghanson, Deputy Chief I Officer and Greater Accra Regional Commander of the GNFS stated that fire crews acted quickly to contain the blaze, ensuring it did not escalate into a larger disaster.

"Our main priority was to protect lives and minimize damage to surrounding properties...We have managed to bring the situation under control, and no fatalities have been reported," she said.

She disclosed that the GNFS deployed multiple units to the scene, supported by two private water tankers to supplement their water supply. She stressed that the presence of highly combustible materials in the affected shops, including gas cylinders and mattresses, posed significant challenges to the firefighting efforts.

In addition to containing the fire, she said the GNFS worked closely with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to secure the area and protect nearby residents.

Hon. Elizabeth Sackey, Mayor of Accra, praised the efforts of the fire service, stating that their swift response was crucial in preventing a much larger catastrophe.

"The quick and coordinated actions of the GNFS have been instrumental in safeguarding lives and preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the community," Hon. Sackey said during a visit to the scene yesterday. 

 "Their dedication and expertise in handling this emergency have averted a potential disaster," she added.

Mayor Sackey emphasized the importance of safety compliance and urged residents and business owners in the area to cooperate with authorities to prevent future incidents.

 "This fire has highlighted the risks associated with unauthorized storage of combustible materials in commercial areas...we must all do our part to ensure that safety regulations are strictly adhered to," she said.

The AMA, in collaboration with the GNFS, has implemented additional safety measures in the area to ensure the fire remains fully contained and to prevent any rekindling.

Police barricades have been set up to keep people away from the affected zone, and residents have been advised to stay clear of the scene while containment efforts continue.