For proper training and preparedness of officers to deliver on Federal Fire Service (FFS) mandate, government has unveiled a simulator machine-driven firehouse at National Fire Academy, Sheda, Abuja.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, explained that the facility is a customised training prop to meet specific needs of firefighters. He said the pre-engineered and fabricated structure incorporates recommendations of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and fulfils requirements for firefighters.
While commissioning the maiden metropolitan fire station in Kubwa, Aregbesola said government had built 12 other metro fire stations nationwide.
According to him, the location of the facility is to ensure rapid response to emergencies in Kubwa and environs He said: “The prime challenge of FFS is ensuring reduction in fire emergencies, instead of firefighting.
“We have initiated an arrangement with the Nigerian Air Force to use their planes to water-bomb fires. It is my sincere hope that the Service will see this through.
“Our attention should be in the acquisition of aircraft that can carry large-scale solution to bomb such large-scale fires in the six geo-political zones of the country.”
According to him, location of the fire station is to ensure rapid response to emergencies in Kubwa and environs.
Controller-General, FFS, Abdulganiyu Jaji, pledged his organisation’s continued selfless service to the public.
“Today marks an important milestone in our country’s history as we witness commissioning of the firehouse at Sheda.
“This is an incredible achievement and I am proud of the hard work and dedication of the team that made this possible, but even more grateful most especially to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made it a reality.
“The Metropolitan Fire Station here in Kubwa is a great asset to the local community and will help to reduce risk of fire-related incidents, serve as a hub for fire services in the region, while providing support and assistance to the local community and also acting as a training centre for fire personnel, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to protect lives and property,” he said.
