The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is urging communities and authorities to invest in alternative water sources such as boreholes to bolster firefighting efforts, cautioning that sole dependence on hydrants may not be reliable in times of crisis.

Greater Accra Regional Commander, ACFO II Rashid Nisawu, made the appeal during an interview on Channel One’s Newsroom on Saturday, April 19, stressing that fire hydrants, though present, are not always dependable.

“My advice is that we should try and sink boreholes and collect water, make them available for firefighting. If we are not lucky the day of reckoning, unfortunately the hydrants may be available but may be dry,” he said.

His comments come in the wake of a tragic fire at Madina Redco that claimed one life and destroyed over 100 structures. The incident has renewed public attention on the limitations of Ghana’s firefighting infrastructure, especially in high-density communities where water access can be restricted.

A fire hydrant, typically located along streets, allows firefighters to tap into municipal water systems during emergencies. However, as ACFO II Nisawu pointed out, such systems can fail under pressure or due to poor maintenance.

The GNFS is therefore advocating for a more proactive approach to fire preparedness, calling on local authorities, developers, and stakeholders to ensure water availability before emergencies strike.

The Service maintains that sustainable access to water is a critical component of any fire response system and must not be overlooked in national planning and urban development.