Aust, China, Japan pledge support for Fire Service

By JASON DOM
THE Papua New Guinea Fire Service says it has received assurance from Australia, China and Japan of logistical support including fire trucks.
With 69 days to go before the Apec Leaders’ Summit, acting chief fire officer Bill Roo, pictured, sees positive signs in terms of support from its partners.
“We have identified the need for additional fire trucks,” he said.
“Thanks to our partners, who have made positive support to close this gap very soon.
“Other than that, our preparations are running smoothly.”
According to fire service inspector Lackson Kila, there were zero emergencies at the time of the Apec informal senior officials’ meeting through to the three senior officials meetings.
Kila said that they had prioritised three weeks in advance for pre-operations checks, local action plans, compliance inspections and basic training to officers.
“Pre-operations basic role is prevention, identification and managing substantial risks from fire escalation,” he said.
“Local action plan is to locate things like fire extinguishers.
“Compliance check is to make contact with building owners for inspections.”
KIla said they had 80 fire service personnel, 20 men on the ground and 12 senior officers.
He said the officers had done a great job during the recent tourism ministers’ meeting.
Kila said with its limited resources, the Fire Service was collaborating with police, Correctional Service, Joint Security Task Force and St John Ambulance.
Roo said there were plans for additional manpower from other fire stations if funding allowed.