Civil society train in firefighting techniques

{Police in Kicukiro District have trained about 150 members of the civil society in firefighting as part of the force’s mechanism to extend firefighting skills to all Rwandans.}

Among those trained include heads and representatives of faith-based organisations, restaurant owners, head teachers, bar and hotel owners and managers, among others.

The training held on March 30, was presided over by District Community Liaison Officer of Kicukiro, Inspector of Police (IP) Hamdun Twizeyimana alongside the in-charge training at RNP’s Fire and Rescue Brigade, Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Jonas Rizinde.

“This training is intended to put you in position to secure your facilities and businesses against fire and how to respond in case it breaks out,” IP Twizeyimana said

He added that; “In most cases, fire outbreaks in buildings are caused by short circuits resulting from old or substandard installations and overloaded electric appliances, so always check such installations and switch off all electronics whenever you are away, not only here at the hospital but even in your homes,”

AIP Rizinde advised them to acquire and install fire extinguishers in their houses.

He advised them to always switch off electricity in case fire breaks out.

They were given practical skills on how to use fire extinguisher, water, sand or soil to put out the fire‎.

AIP Rizinde appealed to them to always be quick to call Police for timely intervention on toll free lines 111, 112, or 0788311120, 0788311224, 0788311657 and 0788311335, in case they have spotted fire incidents.

Following the training Pastor John Paul Ruzindana from Remera Anglican Church thanked police for the training and pledged to share the information with other members of the civil society.

Rwanda National Police has taken steps to ensure more officials at different levels of administration are well-versed with fire-fighting techniques, with the latest cohorts of trainees consisting of medical practitioners, local government officials and community policing committees, among others.