Over sixty medical practitioners from Kirinda Hospital in Karongi district have been enlightened on the causes of fire outbreaks and equipped with firefighting skills.
In an event held at the hospital premises, on December 2, the District Police Commander, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bérnard Gahima, urged the medical workers and other hospital staff to always take precaution to prevent fires, and intervene in time when it breaks out, to prevent escalation and extending to other parts of the buildings.
The hospital staff and doctors were also trained on how to use fire extinguisher, sand and other gadgets to put out fire.
“In most cases, fire outbreaks in buildings are caused by short circuit resulting from old or substandard installations and overloaded gadgets. So always check such installations and switch off all electronics, whenever you are away, not only here at the hospital but even in your respective homes,” said CIP Gahima.
He added that; “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 into fire.”
CIP Gahima reminded them that 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 firefighters are deployed in time.
“Electricity is one of the resources that support development, but, again, you need to know that one slight mistake can result into a bigger damage, that’s why you should always be cautious,” Gahima said.
He also appealed to them 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.
The hospital director, Dr Sarathiere Kanyarukiko thanked police for the knowledge they have equipped the staff with and pledged to share the information with other medical practitioners.
In a related development, the Fire and Rescue Brigade has called on people not to use residential houses for business as they risk overloading the electricity capacity of the house.
The call comes after fire gutted a house in Kanombe suburb that belonged to Gold Liquor Ltd that distills gin, on December 1.
The RNP fire and rescue brigade intervened and put out the fire and rescued employees unhurt; although investigations are still going on to indentify the exact cause of the fire.
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