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Fire at Job 600 Building: No casualties Recorded – Parliament

The Parliament of Ghana has confirmed that there were no casualties reported following the fire incident at the Job 600 building yesterday in the morning of Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

The fire affected several areas of the building, damaging a storeroom, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Ghana National Fire Service responded quickly to extinguish the flames. Staff and workers were promptly evacuated to designated assembly points while emergency services managed the situation.

In a statement released on Tuesday, August 27, Parliament noted that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. However, they expressed appreciation for the firefighters’ rapid response to the emergency.

“Parliament would like to reassure the public that there were no casualties, although the extent of the damage is yet to be fully evaluated.”

The statement further mentioned that the Clerk to Parliament, in consultation with Speaker Alban Bagbin, has advised that, as a precaution, all Members of Parliament and staff should leave the premises and return on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

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“The Clerk to Parliament, in consultation with the Rt Hon Speaker, has instructed that, as a precautionary measure, all Members of Parliament and staff should vacate the precincts of Parliament and return tomorrow, Wednesday, 28th August 2024. However, a minimal staff will remain on duty to handle any urgent matters.”

Investigations are ongoing to determine the source and extent of the damage.

During a press briefing following the incident, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of the GNFS, Julius A. Kuunuor, highlighted that the primary challenge his team encountered was securing a reliable water supply. He noted that while there was a fire hydrant on the premises, the water pressure was insufficient, prompting him to urgently request two fire engines from headquarters to assist with water delivery.

He also mentioned that the fire scene was heavily smoke-filled, necessitating the use of breathing apparatus by the firefighters.

Inquiries into the cause of the fire revealed that, according to Kuunuor, “We are still determining the cause of the fire, but investigations are underway, and we will provide an update in due time.”

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He added, “Once we ascertain the cause, it will be after our thorough investigations. For now, the situation is stable, so everyone can remain calm.” He emphasized the unpredictability of fires, stating, “You can never predict when a fire will strike; anything can happen, which is why preparedness is essential.”

Kuunuor explained that although there is a fire tender station on-site, it is currently out of service for repairs and is expected to be operational within a week. Fortunately, nearby stations are available to ensure coverage in the meantime.

He reassured that despite the fire being on the second floor, the service was equipped with advanced tools that allowed firefighters to access the affected area. “Luckily, we have two hydraulic platforms capable of reaching up to the 16th and 17th floors,” he concluded.

Tags: Fire at Job 600 Building: No casualties Recorded – Parliament