Fire prevention/fighting, search and rescue training at Wa boet Chin boet [Myanmar]
Most traditional houses in Myanmar are made of wood, which increases the risk of a large fire happening, even when a small fire breaks out. Considering this, on 21st to 23rd January, training sessions on fire prevention and suppression, and search and rescue, were organized for Wa boet Chin boet village, with the help of Fire Service Department of Hinthada District. The sessions were conducted mostly online, while practical skills training on the last day was conducted in the field (with COVID-19 infection prevention measures put in place).
As a result of the training, participants have become better aware of the many fire incidents that are caused by carelessness and negligence, and that they usually start with small fires. They have realized that acquiring initial fire extinguishing skills are vital. At the school-cum-shelter, which is being constructed in Wa boet Chin boet village, fire extinguishers will be strategically placed, with the villagers’ skills to use them improved. As means of minimizing the impact of fires, evacuation, search and rescue were also practiced in a demonstration activity.
Due to travel restrictions, SEEDS Asia staff members based in Yangon were not able to attend the skills training. However, the extensive help offered by the Fire Service Department of Hinthada District enabled the empowerment of the village members to handle emergency fire situations.
