Police have reminded the general public to take precautions against fire outbreaks by avoiding overloading electric appliances and interfering with electric wirings, among other causes. Rwanda National Police (RNP) says this month alone, three fire incidents have been witnessed, which led to loss of property. The latest fire incident occurred at a mattress factory in Gastata, Gasabo District, this week apparently caused by welding works, which led to the destruction of properties, worth millions of francs. Another fire gutted four shops in Kigali leading to destruction of property. Police said in all the incidents, no lives were lost and Police Fire and Rescue Brigade was able to extinguish the fires before they could spread to other areas. Three fire incidents were also recorded last month. The Commanding officer for Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jean Baptiste Seminega, said though RNP had put in place measures to respond to fire outbreaks – residents need to act responsibly, since most fires are avoidable. He added that RNP has the ability, equipment and the skills to respond to fire outbreaks, in a timely manner provided it is alerted early enough. Last month, the Ministry of Local Government handed over four new firefighting trucks to RNP.According to ACP Seminega, the trucks have boosted RNP’s response to fire outbreaks at district and provincial levels. The new fire fighting trucks are stationed in Nyanza in the south, Rusizi in the west, Musanze in the north and Rwamagana in the east. The RNP Fire and Rescue Brigade now boasts 12 modern fire fighting trucks, including a Bronto sky-lift fitted with a 55 metre ladder with capacity to rescue people and extinguish fires up to the 20th floor of storied buildings. The unit also has over 100 firefighters and rescue personnel, trained in both general firefighting techniques and specific Skills. Police also offers training to both officers and members of the public in order to increase their general knowledge and skills on how to avert fire outbreaks. The Force established a toll free number, 111, which citizens can call for emergency in case of a fire outbreak, as well as Commanding Officer and fire stations lines, 0788311120, 0788311224, 0788311657 and 0788311335. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
