The devastating fire that engulfed a four-storey commercial building at Adum PZ in Kumasi has finally been extinguished after relentless efforts by firefighters from the Ashanti Regional Fire Command.
The fire, which started around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, was reported to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at 6:05 a.m.
Firefighters from the Regional Headquarters at Atonsu-Chirapatre arrived within 10 minutes, but their response was hampered as the nearest fire tenders from Kumasi Metro and Komfo Anokye Fire Stations were under repairs.
Due to the intensity of the fire, additional fire engines from KNUST, Ejisu, and Twedie were dispatched, with further support from a turntable ladder at the Regional Headquarters.
Firefighting efforts were further bolstered by two water tankers from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and two from a private contractor.
The Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Army also assisted in the operation. After several hours of battling the flames, the fire was brought under control at 11:45 a.m. and has now been fully extinguished.
Firefighters faced multiple challenges, including the rapid spread of the flames due to mixed cargo, explosions within the building, and accessibility issues caused by closely packed structures. Strong winds also contributed to the fast spread of the fire.
Two firefighters and one civilian sustained injuries but have since been treated and discharged.
The GNFS has recommended the demolition of affected buildings due to structural instability. Firefighters remain on-site with three fire engines to fully extinguish any remaining pockets of fire and to cool down adjoining structures.
Several shops have been destroyed, with merchandise worth millions of cedis lost in the blaze.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.
The GNFS has commended the Ashanti Regional Fire Command and all stakeholders who assisted in managing the fire.
The service has also extended its sympathies to those who lost their shops, capital, and livelihoods.
It has urged the public to observe fire safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.