On November 9, 2026, the Rwanda Police conducted a fire safety training program in Karongi and Nyamasheke districts, as part of a nationwide campaign launched earlier in the month. The campaign aims to educate Rwandans on fire prevention and fighting techniques. A total of 579 people were trained, including 339 from Karongi and 240 from Nyamasheke. The trainees included local leaders, members of the Private Sector Federation, security personnel, engineers, building owners, traders, fuel station workers, hotel employees, and youth volunteers.

The training program covered various topics, including the fire triangle, causes of fires, and fire classification. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paul Gatambira, head of the fire prevention and rescue unit at the Rwanda Police, emphasized that everyone should have knowledge of fires, their causes, and how to prevent and extinguish them. He noted that the campaign is not limited to urban areas, as fires can occur anywhere, and everyone should know how to prevent and respond to them.

ACP Gatambira highlighted that the training program also covered fire safety systems in buildings, including water-based systems, fire alarm systems, and automatic fire suppression systems. The trainees were also taught how to protect buildings from lightning, inspect electrical installations, use control and inspection equipment, and compartmentalize buildings to prevent the spread of fires.

The Rwanda Police fire safety campaign aims to reach the entire country, targeting various settings and public gathering places to educate people on fire prevention and fighting techniques. The police emphasize that fire prevention is not only the responsibility of security agencies but also of every individual, who should play a role in protecting human life and infrastructure.

The training program included participants from various sectors, including local leaders, business owners, and security personnel. The police aim to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to fires in their communities. By doing so, the police hope to reduce the risk of fires and promote a culture of fire safety in Rwanda.

The nationwide campaign is designed to educate people on the importance of fire safety and the role they can play in preventing and fighting fires. The police are working to ensure that everyone has access to fire safety education and training, regardless of their location or background.

The Rwanda Police fire safety training program in Karongi and Nyamasheke is part of a broader effort to promote fire safety and prevention across the country. The program has equipped hundreds of people with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and respond to fires, and it is expected to have a positive impact on fire safety in the region.

Key points

  • 579 people trained in fire prevention and fighting in Karongi and Nyamasheke districts.
  • Training program covered topics such as fire triangle, causes of fires, and fire classification.
  • Campaign aims to educate people on fire prevention and fighting techniques nationwide.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.