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Structural obstructions stall dousing of inferno destroying Adum Market
Structural obstructions stall dousing of inferno destroying Adum Market
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read
Firefighters are struggling to contain a massive blaze at Adum Market in Kumasi due to structural barriers blocking access to the fire. Authorities have announced plans to use excavators and bulldozers to clear the way for emergency responders battling the inferno.
According to a national security operative at the scene, firefighters have sufficient water to fight the flames, but their progress is being hindered by makeshift wooden structures obstructing vital access routes.
“There's water in the tenders, but how to get to the source of the fire is the problem. The structures, these wooden structures that they have on the railway, that is the major problem. The military has come, and they are bringing extra people to help us,” he stated.
In response, emergency teams are deploying heavy machinery to remove these barriers and create a clear path for fire trucks.
“The way forward is we are bringing excavators, bulldozers to come and clear this so the fire tenders will get access.”
The fire, which erupted in the early hours of Friday, March 21, has spread rapidly, destroying several businesses in the market. The affected area is known for trading second-hand clothing and housing seamstresses, tailors, and watch repairers. The presence of flammable materials has worsened the situation, making containment efforts even more difficult.
Although six fire tenders were initially dispatched, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has had to navigate narrow and congested pathways, slowing down the firefighting operation. More resources, including additional personnel and equipment, have since been mobilized to assist in controlling the flames.
Despite the challenges, officials estimate that the fire could be brought under control in the next few hours.
“I think it can take extra 3, 4 hours to quench the fire. We have 11 tenders here. So it will take about 4, 5 hours to quench it,” the operative projected.
Meanwhile, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has arrived at the scene to assess the damage and receive updates from national security officials coordinating the response.
