By Ahumuza Civic
Police Fire Brigade in the Albertine South region has today sensitized residents and vendors on fire safety as well as preparing them with skills in case of fire outbreaks.
The sensitization activities that took place at Hoima Central market included a demonstration of firefighting skills and the commissioning and exhibition of a fleet of six fire fighting vehicles and other high-end equipment for the region.
The Albertine South Regional Fire and Rescue Officer SP Clyde Bernart Ssembusi joined by a fire brigade team, demonstrated to the residents and vendors at the market practical firefighting skills and exhibited new modern firefighting equipment recently acquired by Uganda Police Force to improve emergency response in Bunyoro Region.
During the demonstration, the fire team showed vendors how a small charcoal stove, electrical short circuit can burn down the entire market within minutes if not handled quickly.
The team of fire brigade afterwards demonstrated how to use a fire extinguisher and water pump to stop fire at an early stage.
Addressing the media, SP Julius Allan Hakiza warned vendors against locking their stalls with cooking stoves inside, overloading electricity and blocking fire exit routes with merchandise.
Hakiza assured traders that the regional fire office will continue with community sensitization campaigns and urged the public to always reach out to police in case of emergencies by calling the fire emergency toll free number.
The LCI Chairperson of Hoima Central Market Moses Alonso Akugizibwe commended police for bringing the sensitization on fire safety closer to the community and requested for more fire extinguishers be installed inside and outside the market to offer enough support in case of emergencies.
Some traders at Hoima Central Market who attended the fire safety sensitization activity welcomed the training saying they have been in fear since several markets across the country were gutted by fire in the recent months.
The demonstration ended with venders practically trying out fire extinguishers as the police team exhibited the new fire truck and rescue gear.
