A fire has destroyed four commercial shops opposite the Area Council near the Bolgatanga Main Station in the Upper East Region, causing an estimated GH¢165,000 worth of damage.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 21, the Upper East Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said the fire broke out on the evening of Monday, July 20, but no injuries or fatalities were recorded. The statement added that the cause of the fire is under investigation.

According to the statement, the Ghana National Fire Service received a distress call at 6:03 p.m. from a caller identified as Mr Nsoh.

A crew of six firefighters from the Upper East Regional Headquarters, led by Station Officer Grade One (STNO I) Bright Atimbiok, was dispatched a minute later and arrived at the scene at 6:07 p.m.

By the time firefighters reached the area, three boutique shops and one building materials shop were already engulfed in flames.

The statement said the intensity of the fire necessitated the deployment of a reinforcement crew, with Zebra Four responding as Pump Two to support the firefighting operation.

Through the combined efforts of the two teams, the fire was brought under control at 6:40 p.m. and completely extinguished at 7:45 p.m., preventing it from spreading to adjoining properties.

The firefighters returned safely to base at 8:24 p.m.

The statement estimated the cost of damage at GH¢165,000 but said no casualties were recorded.

It added that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

The Ghana National Fire Service urged the public to ensure that electrical installations are properly maintained, avoid unsafe electrical connections and report fire outbreaks promptly to enable a swift emergency response.