Nyagatare District, in partnership with the Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, has trained building owners, hotel representatives, security personnel and other people involved in building management on fire prevention, control and firefighting.
The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify potential fire hazards, prevent fires and respond effectively when incidents occur, helping to protect lives and property.
Fire Prevention Is Everyone’s Responsibility
The Head of the Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paul Gatambira, emphasised that preventing fires is a shared responsibility. He urged participants to prioritise safety in the buildings they manage, familiarise themselves with firefighting equipment and learn how to operate it correctly.
He stressed that people should not wait until a fire becomes large before responding. Instead, they should be able to recognise early warning signs and take preventive measures before an incident occurs. he said: “Buildings should be equipped with basic firefighting equipment, emergency exits should always remain accessible, and people should know the evacuation routes to use in case of an emergency,”
During the training, participants also learned about common causes of fires, including improper use of electricity, unsafe gas equipment, failure to inspect heat-generating appliances and carelessness in kitchens. They were advised to regularly inspect electrical wiring, avoid connecting too many appliances to a single electrical outlet, close gas cylinders properly and keep them in safe, well-ventilated areas.
Participants Receive Practical Firefighting Skills
Practical demonstrations formed part of the training, with participants shown how to operate a fire extinguisher. The process included holding it correctly, removing the safety pin, directing the nozzle towards the source of the fire and squeezing the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
They were also taught how to use a fire blanket when a fire breaks out on gas cooking equipment. Participants were advised that, where it is safe to do so, a suitable fire blanket can be used to smother a fire involving a gas cooking appliance by cutting off its oxygen supply. However, they were warned against putting themselves in danger or attempting to move a gas cylinder that is on fire.
Trainees Highlight the Importance of Fire Safety Knowledge
Some participants said the training had given them important knowledge and practical skills that would be useful both in their workplaces and in their daily lives. Mutuyimana Juliet, one of the trainees, said she had not known how to operate a fire extinguisher before attending the training. However, the practical demonstrations helped her understand how it works and why it is important to know where firefighting equipment is located in a building.
she said: “I did not know how it worked. I used to see it and think it was just another type of gas cylinder, but now I understand how to use it, and if an incident occurs, I will be able to respond immediately,”
Another participant said the training had taught them how to use a fire blanket when a fire breaks out on gas cooking equipment. Another highlighted the importance of regularly inspecting electrical and gas appliances to prevent accidents that could cause fires. At the end of the training, participants were urged to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired, share them with their colleagues and regularly ensure that firefighting equipment is available and in good working condition.
