Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has reminded the general public to take precaution against fire outbreaks by avoiding overloading electric appliances and interfering with electric wirings, among other causes.

RNP observes that this month, three fire incidents have been witnessed, which have led to severe loss of property.

One of the fire incidents this month occurred at a mattress factory in Gastata 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.

In all these incidents, no lives were lost and Police Fire and Rescue Brigade was able to extinguish the fires before they 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 that RNP has put in place stringent measures to react to fire outbreaks – but called upon residents to act responsibly, since most fires are avoidable.

“Most fire outbreaks are caused by carelessness. People are reminded to avoid overloading electric appliances, using stoves and candles and leave them unattended . Important as well, avoid fixing electrical faults personally when you do not have the skill. Violating the basic rule of electric wiring can lead to a spark which may result in fire,” he said.

“RNP has the ability, the equipment and the skills to react to fire outbreaks in a timely manner; therefore, citizens are called to provide information immediately when there is threat of fire, so that our Firefighters can be deployed  in time.”

In mid last month, The Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) handed over four new firefighting trucks to RNP, and according to ACP Seminega, these 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 west, Musanze in northern and Rwamagana in east.

The RNP Fire and Rescue Brigade now boasts of 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 continuously offers trainings to both officers and the members of the public in order to increase their general knowledge and skills on how to avert fire outbreaks. The public is reminded of approaching RNP for training  in a bid to enhance prevention mechanisms.

RNP notes that old electric wirings, overloading, carelessness, arson and ignorance are the major causes of fire outbreaks in the country, and called upon residents to overcome the wrong assumption that fires are unpredictable, yet in reality, they usually occur out of avoidable circumstances.

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 respectively; 0788311120, 0788311224, 0788311657 and 0788311335.