The Rwanda National Police (RNP) fire and rescue brigade continued its public awareness drive against fires training, about 150 people in Rwezamenyo Sector of Nyarugenge District got skills in firefighting.

The trainees include head-teachers, clerics, owners of restaurants and bars and local leaders in villages of Rwezamenyo.

On top of firefighting, the operational Fire and Rescue Brigade also conducts other rescue missions, like people trapped in a building, or when someone has fallen in a manhole, as well as in times of natural disasters like floods and landslides.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Jean Baptiste Seminega, the Commanding Officer of the RNP fire and rescue brigade, while speaking to the trainees, said that some fires result from negligence and violating fire safety rules.

"Some people use lay practitioners in electricity connectivity, these people have no training and this may lead to short-circuit, which leaves houses and occupants at risk,” ACP Seminega said.

He added that at times fire outbreaks result from use of substandard electrical equipment and overloading of electric gadgets.

"Some houses have old wiring systems that make them susceptible to fires; it’s imperative that you always inspect your electric connections as part of the preventive measures,” he told participants.

He further urged them to acquire and install firefighting gadgets in their schools, restaurants and bars in order to respond to likely fires.

Participants were also given basic skills on how to use fire extinguishers, water and sand to put out fire.

He, however, told them never to engage the fire when it’s out of control and to always be quick to call the RNP fire and rescue brigade on toll-free lines 111, 112, 0788311120 and 0788311224 for immediate response.

At least 100 cases of fire outbreaks were registered last year claiming at least six lives and injuring five others, according to statistics from the fire and rescue brigade.

Up to 118 cases were reported in 2014 while 84 cases were handled in 2013.

Most of the incidents were blamed on careless usage of flammable substances, faulty wiring and reckless use of electrical appliances.

In partnership with the local government, firefighting trucks have now been stationed at the regional level for quick response and the long term plan is to acquire and station these engine trucks to the district level in partnership with local government.

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