The National Fire Authority (NFA) is broadening its approach to emergency management by significantly investing in community education and preparing citizens for fire safety. Chief Executive Puamau Sowane stated that the NFA is offering fire safety courses tailored for both businesses and private industries, which include emergency warden training and the proper use of fire equipment. This initiative is aimed at empowering local communities to act as first responders before the NFA can arrive on the scene.
Sowane noted, “We have invested heavily in this area because we have identified that most fire incidents originate from residential areas as opposed to commercial or industrial sectors. We are rolling out awareness campaigns so that the public can establish their own fire brigades, which we term Community Fire Wardens, and train them accordingly.”
The NFA is shifting its focus towards fostering “community resilience towards emergencies,” which includes preventative measures, preparedness strategies, effective responses, and recovery efforts. As part of this new direction, the NFA collaborates closely with other emergency services and the National Disaster Management Office, ensuring cohesive responses during significant disasters.
Moreover, the NFA is enhancing its personnel’s skills through outlined training programs. It has signed regional agreements, such as a Memorandum of Understanding with the Samoa Fire Authority, to bolster emergency response capabilities across the Pacific region. This collaboration emphasizes the NFA’s commitment to readiness in the face of various emergencies.
Engagement with NFA’s initiatives is encouraged among Fijians, as these programs not only aim to enhance safety measures but also focus on community involvement in emergency services. Such educational efforts, along with ongoing training for personnel, highlight the NFA’s dedication to creating a safer environment for all citizens. This proactive approach reflects a hopeful outlook toward improving fire safety and emergency preparedness across Fiji, further indicating that community involvement is a crucial element in the overall effectiveness of these emergency response strategies.
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