The Rwanda Police has initiated a nationwide campaign to prevent fires and provide basic first aid, starting November 2026. The campaign targets various sectors, including hotels, markets, restaurants, large buildings, security organs, private security service providers, and professional firefighters. The goal is to educate people on fire prevention and basic first aid using available equipment.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paul Gatambira, head of the Rwanda Police's fire prevention and rescue unit, stated that the campaign aims to equip people with knowledge on fire prevention and basic first aid. He emphasized that people should not wait for police to arrive before taking action in case of a fire. Gatambira added that the police want to collaborate with different sectors to prevent fires, as delayed response often exacerbates the situation.
Gatambira stressed that fire prevention is not solely the responsibility of the police, but also of the general public. He urged people not to panic and run away when they see a fire, but instead to know how to provide basic first aid safely using available equipment. The police will also educate people on potential fire hazards and how to prevent them.
The campaign will focus on educating people on fire prevention measures, such as having fire extinguishers nearby, especially for welders. Gatambira advised welders to have fire extinguishers close to their workstations to quickly respond in case of a fire. He also emphasized that people's actions can often cause fires, so they should be cautious and take preventive measures.
The police have also urged building owners and managers to consider fire prevention measures during construction. This includes installing easily accessible water supply systems, water tanks, and fire extinguishers. Building owners are also advised to regularly inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they are still usable and easily accessible.
Additionally, building owners are encouraged to create emergency exit routes, install alarm systems, and use high-quality electrical wiring. ACP Gatambira appealed to the public to report any potential fire hazards to the police and work together to prevent fires. He emphasized that preventing fires is everyone's responsibility.
Gatambira concluded by urging the public to be proactive in preventing fires and to take responsibility for their own safety. He emphasized that preventing fires requires a collective effort from the police, the public, and other stakeholders. By working together, Rwanda can reduce the risk of fires and protect people's lives, property, and development initiatives.
Key points
- The campaign aims to educate people on fire prevention and basic first aid using available equipment.
- The police urge building owners to consider fire prevention measures during construction.
- Preventing fires is everyone's responsibility, not just the police.
