Call to overhaul fire service

 A series of building fires over the past few months in Port Moresby, Lae and Kimbe have raised questions about the competency of the Fire Department.

The public is eager to know if the department is carrying out its duties and tasks according to set standards.

 Retired fireman Tipson Hangu told The National that the fires underscored the Government’s need to overhaul the Fire Department management.

“I had been a fireman from 1979 to 1991 and I haven’t seen the department as incompetent as it is now,” Hangu claimed.

“Business houses are losing assets worth millions to fires despite the existence of the National Fire Service.

“Seriously, the Government needs to do an overhaul in the management of the National Fire Service,” he said.

The former fireman said buildings were not checked by the department to ensure they had met fire safety regulations and whether fire extinguishers were installed in them. 

“All structures need to have fire extinguishers and hydrants and that equipment must be installed properly, according to the standards,” he said.

“Fast food shops and commercial buildings with kitchens must meet the requirements of fire safety because they are at greater risks, and old buildings that are vulnerable to fire must be shut down,” Hangu said. 

Chief Fire Officer Isaac Silas said he appreciated Hangu for raising the issues because the responsibility of his department was quite huge and needed input from other fire service providers.

“I appreciate where Hangu is coming from, and look forward to working along other commercial fire service providers to fill in the gaps,” he said.