The Police Directorate of Fire and Rescue Service has revealed that gas cylinders and Candle wax in homes contributed to the most fire outbreaks recorded last year.

In the 2024 Annual Police Crime Report, the Directorate of Fire and Rescue Service reported a 13.8 percent increase from 1,104 cases in 2023 to 1,280 cases in 2024, whereby out of the cases reported, 1,150 of them were successfully handled, while 120 were handled before arrival and 10 were false fictitious fires.

AIGP Stephen Tanui, the Police Director Fire and Rescue Services noted that out of the 1,280 fires reported in 2024, 217 of them were as a result of negligence that include the use of gas cylinders and Candle wax in homes and business premises.

Tanui says that people also need to embrace fire prevention in their homes and business premises which he says will enhance preventive aspects of fire fighting. 

He also noted that the public, especially the road users should respect the right of way especially when they see fire fighting vehicles on the road rushing.

By Ben Musanje

24 February 2025

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