A PLAN is now under consideration to build a fire station within the Honiara city.
Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast revealed this while answering a question by the Solomon Star.
Mr Prendergast said the RSIPF is looking to improve the fire brigade and build a new fire station.
“We are looking at improving the fire brigade and look for a new fire station.
“The old fire station is inadequate so we are looking at building a new fire station in a site we in the process of identifying. I’m confident that will keep improving the fire brigade,” Mr Prendergast said.
The police chief added one of the things he will be reviewing within the RSIPF is the response time of the fire brigade.
This came following the fire incident over the weekend that resulted in the death of a 7 year old child.
The police boss said although the fire brigade responded in time, the traffic has delayed the fire brigade from arriving on time at the scene.
“I’m satisfied with the fire brigade.They have responded as quickly as they could. But it took them sometimes through the traffic,” Prendergast said.
Despite saving much from the burning house over the weekend, Prendergast stressed that the public needs to call the fire brigade as soon as possible whenever there is a fire.
Adding the sooner the dire brigade know of the incident the sooner they will response.
Prendergast further highlighted that another issue of concern is the availability of the fire truck to get through the traffic in Honiara.
Meanwhile the police chief is calling on road users and especially drivers and the public in general to cooperate, be considerate and responsible to give way for the fire truck and ambulances in times of a fire or emergency.
He said the cooperation of the community is important for the work of the fire brigade to response as quickly as possible and arrive in time at the scene of the fire.
“Time is very critical in fire issues therefore the sooner the better to ring the fire brigade.”
He further called on the public to be responsible, avoid children playing with fire and take extra precaution when lighting candles, lamps and stoves that could possible cause fire.
By DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
