Reducing the Risk of Fire Outbreak in Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations in Ghana

Abstract

Fire outbreak is a disturbing phenomenon that has over the years destroyed market centers. There is growing knowledge that the persistence of these fire disasters is as a result of people’s noncompliance with fire safety regulations. This study therefore contributes to the search for solutions by assessing stakeholders’ capacity to manage fires, While creating the individual trader’s awareness and knowledge on what they need to do against fire risk and disasters. The study is cross-sectional and involved 140 traders and three institutions: National Disaster Management Organization, Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and Ghana National Fire Service. A systematic sampling technique was used in selecting 140 respondents from a total of 386 with the help of the Sloving technique. The study revealed that traders in the Kumasi Central Market were unaware of what they need to do in case of fire outbreak. It was also shown that, both traders and firefighting institutions do not comply with the safety measures to preventing fire outbreaks. Again it was revealed that haphazard development within the city center serves as a major hindrance for effective fire prevention and control. Based on findings, the study recommends intensive education of traders on how to prevent fire and how to use firefighting tools in case of fire disasters. The study further recommends the review and enforcement of fire prevention codes and regulations to ensure compliance by traders. Keywords: Fire, Safety, Safety measures Risk, Firefighting, Fire training DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-13-07 Publication date: May 31 st 2023