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Rwanda National Police

Service - Protection - Integrity

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Police extends fire safety to Kigali business community

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) Fire and Rescue Brigade has started training on fire safety to traders in congested business areas of the Central Business District of Nyarugenge.

The training is designed to educate traders on fire safety and how safe to use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

On Monday, fire safety skills were extended to traders in downtown where at least two cases of cooking gas blast have occurred. The recent cooking gas blast occurred on January 31 at a restaurant in downtown, seriously injuring eight people.

Speaking to over 250 dwellers at downtown bus terminal, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Paulin Kalisa, who is in charge of operations in Fire and Rescue Brigade, reminded them that using cooking gas requires knowledge and taking preventive measures.

“Cooking gas is more environmentally friendly and fast when preparing your food, but it can also be very dangerous if you attempt to use it without any basic knowledge on safer usage and without taking precautionary measures,” SSP Kalisa said.

He added: “Gas cookers consume air and release combustion products into the room and can make the room stuffy if there is inadequate ventilation, the moment you try to turn it on, it will ignite fire.”

“It’s important that your kitchen complies with certain safety standards so you and your family as well as customers in your restaurants are safe when using gas appliances. This includes ensuring your gas cookers and hotplates have adequate clearance from combustible surfaces and much heat.”

They were given both theory and practical skills on how to use cooking gas as well as other firefighting gadgets like fire extinguisher.

The same training will also be extended to traders at MIC and CHIC commercial buildings, among others.

Cooking gas safety tips;

Never leave cooking unattended
Never get distracted. If you are called away, turn off the gas.
Always ensure that the cylinder and cooker are properly switched off after use
Never allow a child to cook without adult supervision.
Never use cooking appliances as heaters.
Always inspect your gas cylinder to ensure it has no possible leakage.
While transporting it, maintain it in up straight and firm position. Do not shake it.
When cooking with gas, make sure flames do not go out. Gas can escape silently and invisibly.
Keep the flame from extending past the pot sides.
Have a fire blanket and extinguisher easily accessible in the kitchen.
Have a gas detector installed in your kitchen for early warning.
Gas cylinder should be placed near the window or door to access air
In case of an accident, call: 111 (toll-free line), 0788311224 and 0788311120.