GNFS Breaks Silence on Circle VVIP Station Fire, Admits Faulty Fire Engine but Insists Late Reporting—not Response Time—Allowed Blaze to Escalate

Anthony Amponsah January 20, 2026

• GNFS Admits Circle Fire Engine Was Down but Blames Late Reporting for Escalation of Blaze

• Circle Fire Sparks Public Backlash as GNFS Rejects Claims of Delayed Emergency Response

• Faulty Fire Engine, Late Distress Call and Public Outcry Collide in Circle VVIP Station Fire Case

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued an clarification following public allegations circulating on social media regarding delays in responding to the recent fire outbreak at the Nkrumah Circle VVIP Station.

In a response to KSM News Online, the GNFS confirmed that the fire engine stationed at Nkrumah Circle was indeed out of commission at the time of the incident. However, the Service emphasized that emergency response was not delayed due to negligence or inaction, as alternative arrangements were immediately activated once the distress call was received.

According to the GNFS, the Industrial Area Fire Station, located within the State Transport Corporation (STC) Yard, responded swiftly to the emergency. Fire personnel were dispatched within five minutes of receiving the distress call, which was officially logged at 10:07 hours. This rapid response, the Service explained, aligns with standard operational timelines and reflects the readiness of nearby fire stations to provide backup support when needed.

The Fire Service further noted that public perceptions of delay were largely influenced by the late reporting of the incident. By the time the emergency call was made, the fire had already intensified, creating the impression that responders arrived late, when in fact the escalation occurred before authorities were alerted.

“The incident highlights the critical importance of promptly alerting the Ghana National Fire Service at the first sign of a fire,” the GNFS stated. “Early reporting significantly improves response effectiveness and minimizes damage.”

The Service also reiterated that fire management in densely populated and commercial areas such as Circle requires immediate public cooperation. Delays in reporting fires, even by a few minutes, can allow flames to spread rapidly, overwhelming initial response efforts and necessitating the deployment of multiple fire tenders.

In the Circle incident, several fire tenders from different stations were eventually deployed to fully contain the blaze, demonstrating coordinated inter-station support within the GNFS framework. While investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, the Service assured the public that steps are being taken to address equipment challenges and strengthen response capacity.

The GNFS used the opportunity to urge the public to prioritize safety by reporting fire outbreaks immediately through official emergency lines, rather than attempting to manage situations independently or recording incidents for social media before contacting authorities.

As public discourse continues around the incident, the Fire Service maintains that timely reporting and public vigilance remain key components in preventing fire disasters and protecting lives and property across the country.