Help against the flames: how to better organize the services of the fire brigades in the DRC?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing an upsurge in fires in several provinces of the country. Hundreds of houses were destroyed, causing considerable material losses and human tragedies. Unfortunately, fire relief interventions are often ineffective, leaving people helpless in the face of these disasters. In this article, we look at the issue of the organization of fire brigade services in the DRC and suggest areas for improvement.
To better understand the situation, we spoke with Ciza Cishugu Moïse, in charge of public relations for the national body of firefighters, himself the victim of a fire in Bukavu. We also interviewed Ir John Kabwidi Bwidi, an expert in the organization of fire services.
According to Ciza Cishugu Moïse, one of the main problems is the lack of resources and adequate training for firefighters. He points out that fire-fighting equipment is often obsolete and staff insufficiently trained to deal with emergency situations. In addition, response times are often long due to the lack of coordination between the various fire brigades.
Ir John Kabwidi Bwidi adds that prevention must also be strengthened. It suggests setting up awareness campaigns to inform the population about fire prevention measures, such as the importance of maintaining electrical installations and the rational use of fire. He also stresses the importance of training local first-response teams, who could act quickly while waiting for the arrival of professional firefighters.
In addition, the coordination between the different actors involved in the fight against fires must be improved. It is necessary to set up an effective communication system between the various fire brigades, law enforcement and medical emergency services.
Finally, it is essential to invest more in infrastructure dedicated to firefighting. This includes the construction of well-equipped fire stations, the modernization of firefighting equipment and the continuous training of personnel.
In conclusion, the current situation of fire brigade services in the DRC poses many challenges. However, by improving coordination, training and technical means, it is possible to strengthen these services and better protect populations against fires