Hotel staff and managers, along with operators of other public venues in Huye and Gisagara districts, received training on how to prevent, control, and respond to fire outbreaks. The goal was to enhance the safety of customers, employees, and infrastructure.
The training was organized by the Rwanda National Police to equip hospitality workers and those in other service sectors with the knowledge to act quickly in case of fire.
Police Emphasize Shared Responsibility in Fire Prevention
CIP Hassan Kamanzi, Police Spokesperson in the Southern Province, emphasized that every worker should know how to prevent and fight fires, noting that it is a shared responsibility, not just the duty of the police.
He said: “We trained hotel workers on how to prevent and control fires, whether from kitchens or other sources. This knowledge is crucial for people working in crowded places. We urge them to continue learning and to be able to use fire extinguishers effectively. Fire prevention and control is not only the responsibility of the police but a collective duty requiring cooperation between institutions and citizens.”
SP A. Habimana, Regional Police Commander, urged hotel operators to remain proactive in fire prevention, stressing that fires can cause severe losses and even claim lives.
He said: “We ask hotel workers and those in public venues to play a visible role in fire prevention. Everyone must know how to prevent and fight fires. That is why we organized this training, so participants can also share the knowledge with others.”
Participants Learn Firefighting Skills and Emergency Response
CIP A. Murwanashyaka, from the Police Fire and Rescue Department, taught participants about types of fires, their causes, consequences, and prevention strategies. They also learned how to use fire extinguishers and basic firefighting techniques.
Participants Welcome the Practical Training
Batete Alphonsine, one of the trainees, said she gained essential skills for her daily work: “I learned a lot, including evacuation routes, prevention methods, and how to use extinguishers. Before, we sometimes had equipment but didn’t know how to use it properly. This training will help us protect lives and property more effectively.”
Murenzi Frank, head of the hotel association in Huye and Gisagara, said the training is vital for hotels to meet safety requirements: “Hotels are required to have fire prevention and control measures, and all staff must know them. Police providing this training helps us prepare better to face fire incidents. We hope such training continues and reaches more people.”
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Police Call for Continued Commitment to Fire Safety
The Rwanda National Police reiterated that fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility and urged service providers in public venues to prioritize safety, maintain firefighting equipment, and regularly train their staff.
