Preliminary assessment did not rule out electrical fault - Fire Service on fire incident at Buipewura’s Palace

The Ghana National Fire Service has although it is still investigating the cause of the fire at the Buipewura’s Palace in the Savannah Region, its preliminary assessment did not rule out an electrical fault. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety standards in heritage and traditional administrative buildings across the country.

The Service explained that the Buipe Fire Station received a telephone call at 1:23PM on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from Fm Atoti Abibu, reporting a fire outbreak at the Buipewura’s Palace. The prompt alert allowed emergency responders to mobilize quickly and limit the extent of the damage.

Following the report, a six-member crew led by Assistant Station Officer Seidu Abdul Basit was dispatched at 0126 hours. The rapid deployment reflects standard emergency response protocols aimed at minimizing fire spread in high-risk structures.

The crew arrived at 1:32 PM and found part of the royal mess engulfed in flames. The affected section of the palace is understood to be an important communal and ceremonial area used for traditional gatherings.

Firefighters deployed one line of hose with a hand control branch, using water as the extinguishing medium. Their swift action helped prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining sections of the palace compound.

The fire was brought under control at 1:48PM. Emergency responders worked efficiently despite the intensity of the blaze and the structural vulnerability of the affected building.

The fire was fully extinguished at 1:56PM. After extinguishing the flames, firefighters conducted cooling operations and inspected surrounding areas to ensure there were no hidden fire sources that could trigger a resurgence.

The cause is under investigation, but preliminary assessment did not rule out electrical fault, the Fire Service stressed in a statement. Investigators are expected to conduct detailed forensic analysis of the scene to determine the exact origin of the fire and recommend preventive measures.

Authorities are also expected to assess the electrical infrastructure of the palace and similar traditional buildings in the region to prevent future incidents.