The Rwanda National Police has urged the general public to be cautious to avoid incidences of fire outbreaks.

The warning comes just days after fire gutted Muhanga Prison. 

Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Damas Gatare, said the public should be careful with elements that could cause fire outbreak such as electrical appliances and candles.

"We urge the public to always switch off domestic electrical appliances, candles and stop burning grass” ACP Gatare said.

He also appealed to owners of buildings to install firefighting gadgets to help put out the fire in case it breaks out.

A total of 38 incidences of fire outbreak have been registered since January this year, including the Wednesday incident in Muhanga.

Last year, a total of 84 cases were registered countrywide,  killing eight people and injuring eight others.

Majority incidents are due to short-circuit, candles, welding and domestic electrical appliances, according to Police statistics. Fifty out of 93 cases registered in 2012 were also due to short circuit.

ACP Gatare also warned farmers against burning grass in gardens, which he said is among the major causes of wild fire.

He urged everyone to always report fire incidents in time and respond to rescue missions in case of such disasters, to avoid serious damages.

He outlined the numbers 111 and 112 (toll-free), 07888311224, 07888311120 and 0788311335 as the contacts that can be used to call the RNP fire and rescue unit, in case of any fire incident.