Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) reminds the general public to comply with firefighting regulations and provide quick reports in case of fire outbreak for quick response.

 The public have also been called upon to report illegal activities and illegal electricity connection which also contribute to fire breakouts.

 Police says that although the frequency of large fire occurrences is not worrisome, it is important that every Rwandan become conscious of things that can cause infernos and work towards preventing them.

 Since Monday, four separate fire incidents were reported in Nyamasheke, Rutsiro Kicukiro and Gasabo districts.

 In Rutsiro, wild fire gutted a small forest.

 According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Jean Baptiste Seminega, the Commanding Officer of the RNP Fire and Rescue Brigade, the fires in Nyamasheke, Kicukiro and Gasabo, which had broken out of residential houses, were successfully extinguished by the Fire Brigade before they could cause mass damage.

 Statistics from the RNP Fire and Rescue Brigade indicate that since the year began, 103 fire outbreaks have occurred throughout the country, claiming at least six lives and injuring five others.

 Major cases resulted from careless usage of flammable substances, faulty wiring and reckless use of electrical appliances, children playing with matches and candles, use of cheap and defective electrical equipments, according to ACP Seminega.

 “When fire breaks out, not only the house affected and owner or occupants are at risk but also surrounding communities. That is why it is strongly advisable to alert police because we have the expertise and equipment to extinguish such fires before they can cause mass damage and likely loss of lives,” ACP Seminega said.

 “When a small fire has just started, the wisest thing to do is call police, while at the same time, you try and stop it before it gets out of hand using sand or water. However, it is advisable that you immediately evacuate the area once you realize that it has gone out of your control.”

 He also advised against leaving burning candles and kerosene lamps unattended, which can easily lead to a major fire outbreak.

 “Never forget to turn off and unplug your electrical appliance after use, as well as, keep matchsticks and other fire-ignited means out of children reach,” he added.

“Avoid fixing electrical faults personally when you do not have the skill. Violating the basic rule of aligning like charges can lead to a spark which may result in fire. Always call professional electricians to fix faults.”

 In a bid to promote police-public partnership in overcoming fire outbreaks, RNP kick started countrywide sensitizations campaigns, which reached out to thousands of Rwandans on fire prevention mechanisms.

 He provided Police toll free lines 111, 112 and 0788311120 for anyone to call in case of fire break out.