Firefighters in the country commemorated International Firefighters’ Day yesterday with a ceremony to celebrate their bravery and dedication and that of their colleagues around the world and to remember those who have lost their lives in the course of their duties.

During the ceremony which took place at the New Port fire station, Home Affairs Minister Charles Bastienne launched a weeklong of activities during which firefighters from the Seychelles Fire & Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) and the Seychelles Airport Fire Services (SAFS) will be in the forefront raising public awareness on fire safety – both at home and at workplaces. This will be through a week-long exhibition being held at the New Port fire station, talks and educational sessions at district level, fire safety quiz among other activities.

 

Also during the ceremony firefighters distributed red and blue ribbons tied together, symbolising the combination of fire and water, and the colours recognised worldwide to signify emergency services.

Present at the ceremony were retired chief fire officers as well as other former officers of the fire and rescue services agency.

In his opening remarks to launch these activities which recognise the bravery of firefighters, the risks they take and the sacrifices they make to save lives, protect citizens, the environment and property, Minister Bastienne said the government recognises the excellent work, commitment and dedication of firefighters.

“The government remains committed in providing adequate resources and improving the working conditions of firefighters,” Minister Bastienne said.

He pointed out as examples the opening of La Digue’s fire station last year and that of Praslin which will open soon.

“To further better its services, in its 2015-2016 strategic plan, the SFRSA has outlined the importance of  building other stations on Mahe, namely at Anse Royale, Beau Vallon and Ile Perseverance and these will be done as resources become available,” Minister Bastienne explained.

In addition to that Minister Bastienne said the government is investing in training and new equipment, including vehicles which are being purchased to further upgrade the firefighting capabilities and provide firefighters with proper skills and working tools.

For his part, chief fire officer Andre Morel noted that Firefighters Day is also the day on which all firefighters reflect on and explore innovative ways to continue to improve the services they offer. Mr Morel called on members of the two firefighting services to continue to work closely together, to help and support each other during calamities and continue to show solidarity and unity among them.

“In the fire fighting service we fight against one of our greatest enemies which is fire, regardless which organisation one represents, the uniform one wears or the language one speaks,” Mr Morel pointed out.

He noted that more and more interventions by fire and rescue officers are required be it in terms of fire or rescue especially where people are stuck in their vehicles after an accident.

Last year alone the SFRSA responded to 495 incidents for help and from these 22 cases were for fires in houses or buildings. Since January, the SFRSA has recorded 13 incidences of fire in houses or buildings.

“This shows that we need to continue to educate the public on fire prevention methods and precautionary measures they need to adopt,” Mr Morel stressed.

“Everyone has the responsibility to adopt fire precaution measures – both at home and at work – to minimise fire risks,” Mr Morel added.

He reminded everyone present that the fire fighting profession is a very risky, difficult and dangerous one and in order to meet the challenges it presents we need women and men with a lot of courage, devotion, love and discipline who are ready to make sacrifices as part of their commitment to their profession.

Mr Morel thanked all firefighters for their dedication and hard work and called on them to continue to work together for the wellbeing of our people and our country.

Referring to the findings of the recent public service delivery survey, Mr Morel said it is good to note that in spite of its load of challenges, the public is in general satisfied with the services the SFRSA offers the public.

“This does not mean that we should be complacent but we should continue to strive to address our weaknesses and build up on our achievements,” Mr Morel pointed out.

The ceremony also included blessing and praise for firefighters. Guests at the ceremony also viewed an exhibition which is showcasing the work of firefighters and equipment they use in their duties. The lifeguards, an important component of rescue at sea, also has a stand at the exhibition showcasing all the equipment they use and officers are also on hand to explain their mission.