The Meru County fire brigade has received an oxygen compressor pump from Polish International Aid.
The pump will assist in refilling their oxygen cylinders while fighting the infernos.
Speaking to KNA, the director of special programmes in Meru County Antony Ngari pointed out that the compressor pump is a major boost to the management of fires in region.
Ngari noted that during the month of December last year fire fighters from Meru County took part in competitions which were organized by Polish International Aid in Murang’a County where they emerged top.
“Polish International has partnered with Meru County in training our fire fighters especially in advanced rope rescue and in the provision of equipment,” he added.
According to Ngari the County also partners with Bedfordshire a UK based company which also provides them with training, equipment and also fire machines.
“Firefighting equipment is expensive and we can only manage to acquire some with the amount we get from the county government budget, mostly we depend on donors and other organizations,” he said.
Ngari also said that they will be setting up a fire station at Timau which is some kilometres from the Meru Fire Headquarters due to the number of increasing fires caused by strong winds experienced in the area between the months of January to march.
He further said they will be expanding and modernizing the fire stations at Meru, Nkubu and Maua in order to improve their services.
“We are also sensitizing locals on fire management both at their working places and homes,” he said.
The director, appealed to locals to give correct information such as the direction, intensity of the calamity for a quick and informed response to disasters.
By Kelvin Nkrumah and Muguongo Judy
