Spatial Analysis of Fire Incidents and Urban Vulnerabilities in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana

Fire incidents in the Accra Metropolis have caused significant damage to property and human lives over the years. However, spatial data on the distribution and causes of these incidents are inadequate in Ghana. This study analyzes the spatial distribution of fire occurrences in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) from 2010 to 2022, classifying land uses into commercial, industrial, residential, and institutional categories. Data from the Ghana National Fire Service were analyzed using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, including ArcMap, Getis-Ord hotspot analysis, and Moran's I autocorrelation. The study found that the Central Business District (CBD), primarily serving commercial functions, was the hotspot zone for fire incidents. Poorly planned residential areas also suffered from frequent fire outbreaks. The study attributes fire incidents in the CBD to inadequate urban planning, characterized by unapproved structures serving as squatter settlements. Illegal electricity connections associated with these unregulated buildings were identified as a proximate cause of fires in and around the CBD. The spatial analysis revealed changing patterns of fire incidents over time, with some well-planned areas experiencing unexpected increases in fire cases in recent years. This research highlights the critical relationship between urban planning and fire risk management in the Accra Metropolis. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas and comprehensive urban renewal projects to minimize fire hazards. The findings provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and fire management authorities to develop more effective strategies for fire prevention and response in rapidly growing African cities.