Faulty fire extinguishers were partly to blame for Accra club Vienna City being razed on Thursday night, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Ebenezer Simpson says.

ACFO Simpson said it was still unclear what caused the fire that has destroyed the club, but it was suspected to be electrical.

“We are yet to finish with the investigation but we suspect it was an electrical problem of some sort because according to them [club workers] they detected the fire behind an air conditioner, but we are yet to confirm what they are saying.”

The fire service was called at 8.05pm on Thursday night, initially sending two appliances but then officers called for an additional four and managed to control the fire and stop it spreading to nearby buildings.

ACFO Simpson said they were alerted 35 minutes after the fire started.

"In our investigation we realised the fire started at 7.30, those at the clubhouse attempted to extinguish the fire with fire extinguishers, so it took them 35 minutes before reporting to the fire service. That is the real reason why the whole place was involved when we got there,” ACFO Simpson said.

“Their extinguishers were not serviceable. The contents had expired, so it fooled them.”

The building was 90 percent wood, leading it to burn quickly, he added.

ACFO Simpson wanted to urge people to ensure they have working fire extinguishers.

“People should acquire fire extinguishers for themselves and ensure the extinguishers are serviceable. At least once in a year you should let the extinguishers be examined by a competent fire protection service provider."