A fire early Wednesday morning has completely destroyed a four-bedroom apartment in Dormaa Ahenkro, leaving tenants devastated and highlighting ongoing concerns about the municipality’s non-functional fire tender.

The blaze broke out at around 6 AM, rapidly engulfing the building before residents could mount an effective response.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as occupants scrambled to safety, some trying to salvage belongings while others formed bucket lines in a desperate attempt to control the fire.

Residents say the absence of a working municipal fire engine, reportedly out of service for nearly three months, significantly worsened the situation. “We did everything we could, but the fire was too intense,” one tenant recounted.

“If the fire tender had been working, maybe the damage wouldn’t have been this severe.”

DOIII Eunice Adwoa Serwaa, Dormaa Central Municipal Fire Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, stated that preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have originated from an air conditioning unit installed with substandard electrical cables in one of the rooms.

She urged residents to ensure all electrical work is done by qualified professionals using approved materials.

“Residents must exercise caution when handling electrical appliances and open flames, particularly given that the municipal fire tender is currently unavailable,” she added.

The incident has sparked calls from the community for urgent government intervention.

Residents expressed frustration that the lack of a functioning fire engine delayed emergency response, potentially increasing the scale of the loss.

Although no injuries were reported, families affected by the fire have suffered substantial emotional and financial losses, with years of personal belongings destroyed within minutes.

Investigations are ongoing, but the fire has intensified public concern over emergency preparedness and the safety of the Dormaa Ahenkro community.