Fire outbreaks are preventable – ACP Seminega

​The Commanding Officer of the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Fire and Rescue Brigade, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Jean Batiste Seminega, has told representatives  of establishments where many people gather in Karongi District to educate their colleagues and the public about means of preventing fire outbreak.

ACP Seminega made the call in a recent meeting that drew 112 representatives of faith based organisations, owners of bars, hotels, hospitals and bank representatives operating in the district.

“If not contained, fire can destroy a lot including claiming people’s lives; therefore everyone has the responsibility and ability to stop a fire by taking precaution, and this includes sensitizing the public and your colleagues on preventive mechanism,” said ACP Seminega.

The meeting was also attended by head teachers of schools who were urged to ensure they equip their respective schools with fire extinguishers and also pass on firefighting techniques to their students.

“It’s paramount to have fire extinguishers in all places especially in schools, commercial building and health centers, banks and even in our houses,” ACP Seminega added.

The commanding officers stressed that RNP continuously carry out awareness campaign and teaching people how to put out fire using fire extinguishers and local materials like sand, soil and water.

“We are ready to teach everyone how to use these gadgets and means, once they acquire them… we believe this is another way of building the capacity and response against fires.”

The Fire and Rescue Brigade recently acquired hi-tech firefighting engines, has skilled personnel to fight and prevent fires.

Firefighting trucks have now been stationed at the regional level for quick response.  According to ACP Seminega, “In some cases fire starts as just tiny flame; everyone including children can help stop that fire, it only requires sense of responsibility. If the flames of fire which appear very tiny at the beginning are not stopped, they could quickly spread to a bigger place of any building or facility, causing massive damage of properties and possibly life.”

He, however, urged them to always call police in time for quick intervention and further urged them to always call Police Free line: 111, 112 and other lines such as 0788311120 and 0788311224 in case of fire incidents.

Following the meeting, the Mayor of Karongi District Esperance Bagwire thanked police for extending the skills to representative of public establishments and urged participants to always have a sense of shared responsibility in the fight against fire by applying acquired skills to fight and prevent fire hazards.