The Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Peter Tetteh, has pointed to the overcrowded nature of the Adum Market as a key factor in the rapid spread of the fire, which made it difficult for firefighters to reach the affected shops.
Speaking to the media at the scene on Friday, March 21, he explained that although his team arrived promptly to tackle the fire, they were delayed by the lack of space, which hindered their efforts and allowed the blaze to spread further.
“Our team arrived quickly, but the congestion in the market delayed our response. The shops being so closely packed together created significant access challenges for our personnel,” he said.
His comments come after a devastating fire broke out at Adum Market in Kumasi’s Central Business District, destroying numerous shops and properties. The fire, which began early on Friday, March 21, spread quickly due to the presence of highly combustible materials, making it challenging for firefighters to bring it under control.
Reflecting on the nature of the fire, the Ashanti Regional Fire Commander described it as highly complex, explaining that it originated at the back of the market and quickly spread through the shops, reaching the front.
“The fire is very complex. Some shops contain a variety of goods, which makes the situation even more challenging. However, we have successfully extinguished the flames in the front buildings, and that section is now under control,” he said.
“However, we are still battling the flames at the back, where accessibility remains a problem. Our fire tenders are positioned behind the buildings, but limited space restricts our operations. Though we have ladders to fight the fire from the roof, accessing the right points has been difficult,” he added.
Despite these challenges, he reassured the public that his team was working relentlessly to contain the fire. Emergency responders are still on the scene, battling the blaze, while shop owners assess the extent of their losses.
Meanwhile, the Police Service has apprehended several looters who were taking advantage of the situation.
