Volta Region has recorded a 72.7 percent spike in fire outbreaks between January to December, last year, compared to the same period in 2019.

The Region recorded a total of 285 fires in the year under review against 165 in 2019.

Domestic fires increased with a 56.45 percent, as the Region recorded 97 outbreaks in 2020, against 62 in 2019.

The Region also witnessed 81 bushfires in the year under review, compared to 31 in 2019, representing an increase of 161.29 percent.

There was an increase of 19.65 percent in commercial fires, as the Region recorded 73 in 2020 against 61 in 2019.

A total of 33 vehicular fires were recorded in 2020, compared to 11 in 2019, representing an increase of 200 percent.

The year under review also witnessed one institutional fire, however, there was none in 2019.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO), Madam Janet Agyeiwaa Duah, Volta Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), told Ghana News Agency (GNA) the increase was as a result of the public failure to comply with fire safety protocols.

She said though her outfit continued to sensitise the public and advised them on precautionary measures, most people failed to heed to their advice, resulting in the increase.

The Commander said citizens' compliance with fire regulations was essential in supporting the Service's quest to address fire situations in the country, urging all to endeavour to obey the regulations.