The Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade has urged residents to take precautions when using cooking gas, warning that leaked gas can ignite and cause fires when exposed to potential sources of ignition. The warning was issued on November 4, 2026, during a fire safety awareness programme conducted for residents, particularly security personnel, in Ngoma and Kirehe districts.
During the training, officers explained that gas-related fires can occur when a cylinder is left open, allowing gas to leak into an enclosed space. Under such conditions, lighting a match or switching on electrical lights could ignite the accumulated gas. They also warned participants against answering phone calls in areas where gas has leaked.
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Police Highlight Risks of Gas Leaks
According to the Fire and Rescue Brigade, answering a phone call in an area filled with leaked gas could create a spark capable of igniting the gas. Residents were therefore advised to ensure that gas cylinders are properly closed after use and that their equipment is regularly checked to prevent leaks.
Officials also noted that approximately 70 per cent of fire incidents in Rwanda are linked to cooking gas. They warned that the proportion could continue to rise if people are not adequately informed about safe gas handling and ways to prevent leaks.
Participants received practical training in fire prevention and firefighting techniques. These included using a fire blanket, a cooking pot lid and fire extinguishers to put out fires.
The programme brought together members of DASSO, Top Sec, RGL Sec, Quick Star, Community Policing Committees (CPCs) of Karenge, professional night patrol teams and other security personnel.
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Security Personnel Welcome Practical Training
Some participants said the training had provided them with important skills, particularly because they had previously lacked the knowledge needed to respond to fires at an early stage. They pledged to share the information with other members of their communities.
Hagenimana Posien, who works for High Sec in Ngoma District, said the training had equipped them with simple methods of extinguishing fires, which they would also teach others. he said: “We have now gained the knowledge needed to extinguish fires using simple methods, and we will pass this knowledge on to others. There is nothing particularly difficult about it. The main problem is when people simply do not know what to do,”
Mundanikure, a DASSO officer in Ngoma District, said the training would help them respond more effectively to fire incidents, especially in workplaces where firefighting equipment is available but staff may not know how to use it.
he said: “We did not previously know how to fight fires, but now if an incident occurs we will be able to respond immediately. In many places where we work there are fire extinguishers, but we did not know how to use them. Now, if a fire breaks out, we can handle it without difficulty. Firefighting is not complicated; anyone who receives proper training can do it,”
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Police Say Awareness Campaign Will Continue
The Rwanda National Police spokesperson in the Eastern Province, SSP Hamdun Twizeyimana, said the training aims to strengthen security personnel’s ability to respond quickly to fires and inspect firefighting equipment properly.
he said: “This is part of an ongoing awareness campaign aimed at educating the public, including security personnel who play a vital role in maintaining safety. Because they are often the first to arrive at the scene of an incident, they need to be able to extinguish fires immediately when a problem occurs. They must also know how to inspect firefighting equipment, report incidents, and provide basic emergency assistance. This awareness campaign will continue, including in schools and among different communities,”
Rwanda has experienced recurring fire incidents in recent years, prompting continued calls for residents to remain vigilant and take preventive measures against fire hazards.
