The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued a strong warning to the public against turning on lights or phone torches when they detect gas leaks in their homes. This advice is part of the GNFS’s safety education campaign aimed at minimizing domestic fire incidents.
A member of the GNFS Public Relations Department, ADOI Alex King Nartey emphasized this safety precaution explaining the science behind fire outbreaks, ADOI Nartey noted that oxygen (air), fuel, and heat are the three primary elements that cause fires. Turning on a light or any heat source in the presence of a gas leak can easily ignite a fire.
In a related advisory, he cautioned drivers against hastily opening their car bonnets when their vehicles catch fire.
Opening the bonnet fully allows air to enter, intensifying the fire. Instead, he recommended slightly opening the bonnet about one centimeter and using a fire extinguisher to reduce the flames before opening it completely.
