By Edward DEBRAH
The severity of risks firefighters take to protect lives and properties cannot be overemphasised. In recent times, our gallant fire men have been met with a disturbing trend where these brave men and women are attacked even when they are performing their roles.
Such attacks put our gallant men and women in uniform in serious jeopardy, threaten public safety and could lead to delays in controlling fires which could have dire consequences and is condemnable in no uncertain terms.
Grasping the issue
Enormous factors contribute to the increasing attacks on firefighters; typical among these happen to be frustration with emergency response times which often lead to misguided anger towards the firefighters.
Many communities expect instant action when they call the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), but challenges such as poor address systems (GPS location), traffic congestion, poor road networks, and inadequate resources sometimes cause delays. Affected communities do exercise restraints but instantly attack firefighters upon arrival.
General misconception about role of firefighters also contribute to the attacks. People are of the view that firefighters are entirely responsible for preventing fire and that should there be any outbreak, it easily gets attributed to the negligence of firefighters.
Out of ignorance, others are quick to assume that firefighters will most likely attend to the fire scene unprepared or will intentionally produce a slow reaction to fire outbreaks. These misguided sentiments promote hostility towards the service men and women.
Some communities also set up mob action units when fire victims experience severe losses and become emotionally charged. The sight of properties getting destroyed by fires could be heartbreaking and tend to make victims attack the firefighters who may be actually trying to help fight the fire.
Impacts of these Attacks
The consequences of attacking firefighters can be dire. From physical harm to obstructing firefighting efforts could lead to enormous destruction of lives and properties.
Firefighters who feel their lives could be in danger could be discouraged from giving off their best as their safety cannot be guaranteed.
In the long term, young people would feel demotivated to enrol into the fire service and this could significantly affect the public perception, reputation, recruitment drive and retention of personnel within the Ghana National Fire Service.
Additionally, such incidents paint a negative image of Ghana’s commitment to public safety and emergency response.
Addressing the Challenge
- Public Education and Awareness
A major step in addressing this problem is educating the public on the role of firefighters and the challenges they face. The GNFS, in collaboration with the Information Services Department, Media houses, local authorities, and schools, should engage in regular sensitization campaigns.
These campaigns should highlight the importance of firefighters, the reasons for possible delays, and the need for community cooperation during emergencies. Information Services Department must endeavour to translate advocacy materials into the 9 written and studied languages in schools to ensure the information reaches a larger audience.
The general public must be educated on fire causation and prevention principles and also on the use of portable fire extinguishers to fight basic fires. This will empower the populace and reduce the dependence of fire fighters. Bush burning for hunting and farming purposes must be discouraged to prevent fire escalation.
- Strengthening Laws and Enforcement
While Ghana has laws protecting emergency service personnel, enforcement remains weak. Authorities should ensure that those who attack firefighters face strict legal consequences. Communities must understand that assaulting emergency workers is a criminal offense punishable by law. Offenders could be made to pay hefty fines, embark on community works or in some cases, serve jail term to deter others from following suite.
- Improved Emergency Response Systems
Improving road network, decongesting the city, providing accurate directions albeit GPS address systems and providing state-of-the-art firefighting equipment could help improve response times.
This includes better communication systems, more fire stations, more hydrant systems, well-maintained roads, and quicker dispatch of firefighters. The government should invest in modern equipment and increase funding for the GNFS to enhance efficiency.
- Community Engagement and Partnership
Building trust between firefighters and the public is critical. The GNFS should engage community leaders, assembly members, and youth groups in fire prevention and emergency preparedness discussions. If the public sees firefighters as part of the community rather than outsiders, the likelihood of attacks will reduce.
- Training Firefighters in Conflict Management
Enhanced knowledge, training and competence should be prioritised as the demands on firefighters increases on daily basis. Conflict management skills will help them de-escalate tensions when faced with aggression. Having security escorts during high-risk operations may also be necessary in some cases.
A Call for Collective Action
Much as firefighters dedicate their lives in service of the entire citizenry, it is completely unacceptable to treat them with such unacceptable behaviour when all they are trying to do is to alleviate the plight of fellow citizens. Ghanaians ought to be citizens, not spectators and must collaborate with government in addressing this unfortunate challenge confronting the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
In our communities, we must see firefighters as allies, not enemies and show them respect, collaborate to improve emergency response systems, support enforce laws and promote educational advocacy. Protecting firefighters must be seen as a civic responsibility.
The time to support and protect our gallant firefighters who risk their lives for us is NOW.
Edward Debrah is a Double Chartered Environment & Sustainability, Resource & Waste Manager and an accomplished Health and Safety Executive with 13+ years professional experience across multiple industries.
