Firefighters tackle final training

By JASON DOM
FIFTY firefighters from around the country are in Port Moresby for a final training spearheaded by two Queensland fire and emergency officers.
The two-days pre-ops training started on Tuesday at the Waigani Fire Station and ended yesterday.
Fire Service senior officer Lackson Kila said the training was basically for the Apec leaders’ week.
“Firefighters were trained to feel the strength of the fire engine pumps and how to balance themselves when there is an outburst of water,” he said.
“Drivers were given the opportunity to test drive the three new Japanese-donated fire engines as well.”
Kila said of the 50 officers, five were inspectors, five sub-officers and 40 firefighters from 10 fire stations.
He said the total manpower required for Apec was 100 officers – 50 from Port Moresby and 50 from around the country.
Kila said the three main venues – International Convention Centre, Apec Haus and Stanley Hotel – would each have one fire truck and eight officers.
He said the Japanese-donated rapid response fire engines would be on standby to assist cruise ships, with police and soldiers to help if needed.
Kila said two inspectors would be providing professional advice at each venues on two shifts .
Chief Fire Officer Bill Roo said the 50 firefighters were being accommodated at the Games Village at the University of PNG.
“The 50 firefighters from NCD will be having their training next week,” Roo said.