To date, 7 people have passed away in fire related incidents this year.
While speaking at the opening of the new Fire Station in Rakiraki, Minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar says two of the victims were from the Western Division.
Kumar says these accidents displace families and rob them of their livelihood adding it is also important to note that fire incidents do not single out one particular province or district as it happens in every Municipal Council boundary in Fiji.
She told the people that the existence of the new Fire station
would mean educating the public in many ways. She says firefighters in due course will help develop targeted all‑risk public education programs designed to teach people how to prevent harmful situations and how to survive them should they occur.
Kumar adds this includes educating them on how to handle a situation before the relevant authorities arrive thus providing an effective Emergency Response to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material events, and technical rescue.
Kumar also highlighted that in the first eight months of this year, the National Fire Authority has responded to a total of 3,418 emergency calls.
The Minister says the visibility of firefighters and the manner in which they have extended their involvement in community duties, heightens the trust and sense of safety for all Fijians.
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