Firefighters from Rwanda National Police have contained a fire that broke out in a sugarcane field in the Nyabarongo wetland area of Nunga Cell, Gatenga Sector, Kicukiro District.
The fire broke out on Wednesday, August 26, and was quickly brought under control by the Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, preventing it from spreading further.
The City of Kigali said the fire is suspected to have been started by a person who was smoking near the field and discarded a cigarette butt that had not been fully extinguished.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise greater caution during the dry season, when dry vegetation can ignite and allow fires to spread rapidly.
Residents have been advised against throwing away cigarette butts that are still burning, burning vegetation or using fire carelessly in areas with dry grass and other flammable materials.
Beekeepers have also been urged to take precautions when using fire during beekeeping activities and ensure that any fire is properly controlled.
Farmers are reminded that burning crop residues is prohibited and that uncontrolled bush burning is punishable by law.
Authorities are further calling on residents to report fires as soon as they are detected to help prevent damage to lives, property and the environment. Rwanda National Police lists 111 as the emergency number for fire and rescue services.
