Rutagengwa explained that fires can result from various causes, including improper use of electrical installations, negligence and failure to observe fire prevention measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He cited the use of substandard electrical cables, connecting too many appliances to a circuit beyond its capacity, and using damaged electrical equipment as some of the potential causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In homes, leaving a stove or candle burning unattended, mishandling gas appliances and storing flammable materials in inappropriate places can also lead to fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, he stressed that these factors should not automatically be assumed to explain every fire without a proper investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe important thing is not to assume that all fires have the same cause. Every incident should be investigated to establish what caused it, so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also noted that the absence of smoke detectors and equipment capable of extinguishing a fire at its early stages can delay detection and allow flames to spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building safety starts at the design stage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rutagengwa said building owners should consider safety from the design stage rather than waiting until construction is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBuilding safety should not be treated as something added after construction. It must be one of the main priorities from the moment the building is designed,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key measures include using electrical equipment that meets the required standards, installing cables suitable for the expected electrical load, and engaging qualified professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other important considerations include selecting safe construction materials and providing appropriate emergency exits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also recommended that buildings be equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and other safety devices suited to their intended use. Gas and other flammable materials should be stored in designated and appropriate locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dedicated water systems are essential for firefighting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dedicated water supply systems and fire hydrants are also important, particularly in large buildings and commercial facilities where substantial volumes of water may be needed to control a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ordinary domestic water supply networks may not always provide the volume of water or pressure required for firefighting. Dedicated pipelines and fire hydrants can help ensure that sufficient water is available when emergencies occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Planning for these systems should take into account water availability, flow rate, pressure and the capacity of the distribution network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although firefighting water does not necessarily have to meet all the standards required for drinking water, it must be readily available and suitable for use without endangering human health or damaging firefighting equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Training must go beyond meeting regulatory requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rutagengwa believes that a lack of knowledge about fire prevention and how to respond when a fire breaks out is one of the factors that increases the risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHaving a fire extinguisher is not enough if someone does not know how to use it properly or when they should immediately leave the area and call for emergency assistance,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people may, for example, attempt to extinguish an electrical fire or a fire involving flammable oils with water, potentially making the situation more dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He therefore believes that training should equip people to recognise warning signs, use safety equipment correctly and evacuate buildings safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTraining should not be conducted merely to meet regulatory requirements. It should help people identify and prevent risks and know how to respond quickly and safely when a fire breaks out,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SASA Group Rwanda provides training in fire prevention and firefighting. Rutagengwa encourages households, schools, hotels, markets, factories and other institutions to take part in such training so that prevention becomes a culture rather than a response adopted only after an accident has occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insurance helps, but it does not replace prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On fire insurance, Rutagengwa said several factors may discourage people from taking out coverage, including a lack of awareness of its benefits, financial constraints and the belief that such an incident will never affect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lack of understanding of insurance policy terms and compensation procedures can also undermine public confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He believes insurance companies should explain their services in clear and accessible language, specifying what is covered, what is excluded and how policyholders can submit claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is important for people to understand that insurance does not prevent a fire from occurring. Rather, it helps reduce financial losses when an insured incident happens,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He added: \u201cHowever, insurance must go hand in hand with risk prevention, because protecting human life and property must come first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stronger inspections and reliable data could improve prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rutagengwa called for stricter safety inspections of both newly constructed buildings and those already in use, with particular attention to electrical installations, emergency exits and firefighting equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also highlighted the need to increase public awareness campaigns, make safety equipment more accessible and strengthen the capacity of emergency response services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to him, collecting and analysing fire incident data would help identify areas where fires occur most frequently, determine their causes and assess the losses they leave behind. This would enable authorities and other stakeholders to develop prevention measures based on reliable evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEvery major fire should also be investigated to establish its cause, determine whether any regulations were violated and use the findings to prevent future incidents,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He stressed that implementing these measures requires cooperation between the government, the private sector, insurance companies and the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe must understand that preventing fires costs less and protects lives better than dealing with their consequences. When we succeed in preventing a fire, we protect human lives, jobs, property and the country\u2019s economy,\u201d Rutagengwa concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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