Fire destroys over 600 structures in Tema Community 12, leaves hundreds homeless

A severe fire swept through the Tuobodom area in Tema Community 12 in the afternoon of September 18, destroying over 600 structures and leaving hundreds of residents homeless.

The swift response by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) averted what could have been a much bigger disaster, as the fire threatened a nearby gas filling station and several inflammable factories.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but eyewitnesses said it spread rapidly due to the densely packed wooden structures in the area. Personnel from the Tema Regional Fire Service arrived promptly at the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control before it could reach the gas station, preventing a potentially large-scale explosion.

Speaking to TV3, the Tema Regional Fire Commander confirmed that no casualties had been recorded. However, he cautioned that the environment remains unsafe for residents due to pockets of smoldering fires that pose a continued risk.

“We urge the public to refrain from using explosive substances in residential areas to avoid such incidents,” the Fire Commander warned. “If not for our timely intervention, this would have escalated into a major disaster, given the proximity of the fire to a gas filling station.”

The fire, which destroyed homes and personal belongings, has displaced hundreds of residents. Temporary shelters have been set up in local churches and schools with assistance from the NDC Tema Central parliamentary candidate, Ebi Bright.

Ebi Bright, speaking to TV3, appealed to the general public to extend support to the affected residents. “These individuals have lost everything. We are working to provide immediate relief, but we also need the public to come together and help in any way they can,” she said.

The Tema Fire Service continues to monitor the situation, ensuring that any remaining embers are fully extinguished to prevent a recurrence. Authorities are also investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the structural integrity of the surrounding buildings.

The fire serves as a reminder of the need for stricter safety regulations in high-density residential areas, especially where there is proximity to industrial and inflammable sites.

The post Fire destroys over 600 structures in Tema Community 12, leaves hundreds homeless first appeared on 3News.

Read Full Story