The Ministry of Interior has announced plans to deploy drones in firefighting operations as Rwanda moves to strengthen its response to a growing number of fire incidents.
The planned deployment would add unmanned aircraft to the equipment used by the Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, which is responsible for preventing and fighting fires and conducting rescue operations.
Rwanda National Police had previously identified drones among the equipment it intended to introduce as it modernised the brigade.
The unit has expanded from two fire engines when it was established to 27, alongside portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets and other specialised rescue equipment.
Fire engines are stationed in Kigali and all four provinces, although the brigade plans to establish a permanent firefighting presence in every district.
The drone initiative comes as Rwanda strengthens its response to increasingly complex fire risks associated with urbanisation and the expansion of industrial and commercial activities.
The Ministry of Interior and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization launched a project in August to strengthen the country’s firefighting and emergency-response capacity.
Supported by the Government of Poland through UNIDO, the project covers fire prevention, preparedness and emergency response.
Its first phase includes a feasibility study assessing existing equipment, infrastructure, regulations, personnel and coordination systems.
Figures released by the Ministry of Interior show that Rwanda recorded 1,380 fire incidents over five years. The fires killed 28 people and damaged commercial buildings, workshops, vehicles and other property.
Improper use of electricity accounted for 71% of the incidents, while household cooking gas caused 13%. Illegal activities, including hunting, were linked to 8%, while the improper storage or mixing of flammable materials accounted for 5%.
The remaining 3% resulted from strong winds and other disasters that damaged electricity infrastructure. Rwanda National Police said more than 90,000 people had received training in fire prevention and emergency response.
The continuing risks were highlighted by the recent fire at GOICO Plaza in Musanze District, where goods provisionally valued at more than Rwf30 billion were destroyed.
The government has also expanded fire-safety training. A programme involving the Ministry of Interior, Rwanda National Police, the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management and the City of Kigali is training public servants in fire prevention and the use of firefighting equipment.
The feasibility study under the UNIDO-supported project will guide the selection of additional measures required to strengthen Rwanda’s firefighting and emergency-response system.
RADIOTV10