By Nicholas Bass
Following some rumors spreading in social media alleging that the Banjul Divisional Fire Service rejected emergency calls, the Public Relations Officer, Pateh Gibba, has refuted the rumor and called for unity and cooperation from the stakeholders to save lives and properties in the country.
In an interview with this reporter, PRO Gibba said the claim is purely rumor and allegation against his institution, noting that some of their Gamtel emergency telephones that developed problems are what makes it difficult for callers to reach them during emergencies.
He urged the public to call on their official contacts for timely intervention in saving lives and properties for sustainable development.
PRO Gibba added that firefighters across the country are always on alert and ready to receive any call from victims for quick deployment of rescue officers to any area the need arises.
Gibba, however, pointed out that his officers find it difficult to extinguish a widespread fire outbreak with one fire tender that contains 2000 liters of water. It is insufficient to put off the flames of fire so that’s why firefighters will have to refill the fire tender or call other Fire Service Stations for support, he explained.
Among other things that can cause them not to extinguish fire outbreaks at once, he explained, “Inconsistent water supply and unstable water velocity in the country make it difficult for us to extinguish fire outbreaks at once because when the water is exhausted in the fire tender there is a need to go refill.”
Also, “Some of the pedestrians and drivers always fail to give way to firefighters this is putting lives and properties at risk.”
Also, untimely information to firefighters of some fire outbreaks is another issue that causes a delay in dispatching officials to a fire scene.
Therefore, Officer Gibba urged the public to always call both the GFRS emergency line and official telephone contacts for any emergencies, avoid dumping cigarette ends in the bush, taking caution when using cooking gas bottles, firewood, charcoal, and among others.
While urging the media to spread positive information regarding their service, Mr. Gibba thanked their UK counterparts for their relentless (vehicles) and for building human capacity in saving lives and properties in the country.
