Rwanda National Police has trained staff, managers and caregivers at Kabutare Hospital in Huye District on fire prevention, emergency response and the safe use of firefighting equipment.
The training, conducted on August 20, 2026, is part of Rwanda Police’s ongoing fire safety awareness campaign targeting communities and institutions across the country. Similar programmes have previously focused on health facilities, equipping medical workers and other staff with basic skills to prevent and respond to fire emergencies. (Rwanda National Police)
CIP Hassan Kamanzi, Rwanda Police spokesperson for the Southern Province, said the training was intended to ensure that everyone working in and visiting the hospital understands their role in preventing fires and responding appropriately when one occurs.
“The activity is aimed at educating, training and reminding managers, staff and caregivers at Kabutare Hospital about their role in preventing and responding to fires,” Kamanzi said.
Participants were trained to identify common causes and types of fires, understand the risks they pose and take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak.
They also received practical guidance on using fire extinguishers and other basic firefighting equipment, enabling them to respond to a small fire safely before professional emergency responders arrive.
Kamanzi said the training was also aimed at ensuring people know how to act quickly and appropriately during a fire emergency.
One of the participants said the training had provided valuable knowledge on preventing fires, responding when an incident occurs and using a fire extinguisher.
The participants said the experience had reinforced the message that fire prevention is a shared responsibility rather than an obligation reserved for professional firefighters.
Dr Jean Pierre Uzabakiriho, who oversees health service activities at Kabutare Hospital, thanked Rwanda Police for the training, saying it would strengthen the preparedness of staff and caregivers.
“We thank the Police for providing us with this training because it is important in helping us understand how to prevent fires, how to respond when one occurs and how to use firefighting equipment,” Uzabakiriho said.
The training comes as Rwanda continues to strengthen fire safety awareness in workplaces and public institutions. In July 2026, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with Rwanda National Police, the Ministry of Emergency Management and the City of Kigali, launched a programme to train public servants in fire prevention, firefighting and the use of firefighting equipment. (Ministry of Interior)
Rwanda Police has previously emphasized that fire safety training helps people prevent emergencies, respond to fires at an early stage and reduce potential loss of lives and property. (Rwanda National Police)
