With the motive to develop and strengthen the capabilities of Bhutanese fire-fighters, country’s first-ever Fire Service Training Facility was established at Chamgang, yesterday. The establishment of the facility is expected to efficiently deal with the fire hazards and help save lives and properties of the people and the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the facility, the Home Minister, Dasho Sherub Gyeltshen said Bhutan has lost over 16000 acres of reserve forests and over 4000 acres of prime forests to natural and manmade hazards in the form of fire. However, he added this generous assistance will immensely benefit Bhutan and enable fire-fighters in strengthening its capacity efficiently and effectively.
And with the official opening of the facility yesterday, the Royal Bhutan Police also looks positive in drafting the country’s first-ever fire act.
For now, the training facility has an overseas container and a separate space to store fire-fighting equipment. Beginning from next month, fire-fighters will experience proper tactical and practical fire fighting training sessions. As of today, most of the Bhutanese fire-fighters lack such intense training as many were trained in an open area with limited facilities.
Over Nu 10 M worth project was financed by the government of Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. The government of Canton of Zurich further plans to install a few more overseas container along with basic facilities like portable water pumps, breathing apparatus, washing machine and radios.
