Firefighters contain dawn inferno at Accra Timber Market

A fierce fire swept through parts of the Accra Timber Market in the early hours of Saturday, destroying several shops stocked with wooden planks and hardware materials.

Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) battled the blaze for nearly ten hours before finally extinguishing it.

The GNFS said it received the first distress call at 1:17 a.m. and quickly deployed seven fire engines from across the capital, supported by a GNFS water tanker and two additional tankers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Ablekuma Municipal Assembly. The first crew arrived on the scene at 1:21 a.m. to begin the operation.

The flames were contained at 6:26 a.m., brought under control at 6:37 a.m., and completely doused by 11:44 a.m.

Two firefighters sustained injuries during the operation, one from an electrical shock and another with burns on the left arm. Both were treated, discharged, and are said to be recovering well.

Thanks to the swift intervention of the fire crews, adjoining buildings, including the Ayalolo Cluster of Schools, were saved from destruction.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong led a team of senior officers, including Deputy Director of Operations ACFO II Osmond Anum and Greater Accra Regional Commander ACFO II Rashid Kwame Nisawu, to coordinate firefighting efforts at the scene.