Fire Safety: SP Muhanguzi Emphasizes Prevention for North Kigezi Diocese

Staff and students within the North Kigezi Diocese have been urged to take fire prevention and preparedness seriously. SP Moses Muhanguzi, the Regional Fire Prevention and Rescue Officer for Greater Kigezi, stressed that many fire outbreaks can be averted through heightened vigilance, regular inspections, and immediate reporting of emergencies.

During a fire safety awareness workshop held at Canon Beatrice Ruhindi Skills Training Institute, Muhanguzi detailed common fire causes. These range from arson and electrical issues like overloaded appliances and faulty wiring to negligence, unsafe cooking practices, and even environmental factors such as lightning and heat waves.

He elucidated the stages of fire – infant, free-burning, and smouldering – emphasizing that early detection and control are crucial to prevent extensive damage. “Regular inspection of electrical installations… avoiding the use of mobile phones while charging, and properly securing gas cylinders are important preventive measures,” Muhanguzi advised.

Muhanguzi also recommended that offices and institutions keep fire extinguishers, ensuring they are regularly checked for efficacy. The strategic placement of buckets of sand was also suggested as an additional safety measure. He urged participants to identify the type and cause of a fire before attempting to extinguish it, as different fires require specific control methods.

Crucially, the officer implored the public to contact the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services immediately upon encountering a fire outbreak. He cautioned against delaying to report fires or involving politicians first, stressing that such incidents require professional and rapid intervention to save lives and property.

The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, commended the initiative, noting that a lack of knowledge often leads to suffering. He underscored the importance of continuous public sensitization on safety measures.

This workshop is part of broader efforts by the Uganda Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services to enhance public awareness and equip communities with essential fire safety knowledge.

Source: Nile Post