Rwanda National Police

The Commanding Officer of the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Fire and Rescue Brigade, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Jean Batiste Seminega, on Wednesdays told local leaders of Jabana Sector in Gasabo District to also take up the mantle to educate the public about means of preventing fire outbreak

 ACP Seminega was speaking during a community meeting in Jabana Sector that drew several local leaders and health workers in Jabana.

 “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 on preventive mechanism,”

 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 and even in our houses,” said Seminega.

 Available figures indicate that Kigali City registers the highest percentage of fire outbreaks compared to other parts of the country; a case in point is the figures of 2013 where, out of the 84 cases registered, 79 occurred in Kigali while in 2014, 110 out of the total 121 cases were also registered in Kigali.

 “We continuously carry out awareness campaign and teaching people how to put out fire using fire extinguishers and local materials like sand. We are ready to teach everyone how to use these gadgets, once they acquire them…let them just call us, because 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.

During the meeting that addressed several issues, residents were urged to be wary of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and fake fertilizers saying that they have effects of their health and the economy.

At the same meeting, they were also urged to be actively involved in fighting crimes like drug abuse.