Society

To enhance emergency response: National Fire Brigade embarks on innovation.

Officials immortalise moment in group picture

The National Fire Brigade has launched a modernisation drive aimed at enhancing emergency response and operational efficiency.
This was the focus of the biannual command meeting of the service, which held on May 8 and 9.

The Commander of the corps, Brigadier General Mahamat Ahmed Kotoko, chaired the meeting at the National Fire Brigade office in Yaounde.

It brought together senior officials, staff officers, commanders from major territorial groups from Yaounde, Douala, Garoua, Maroua, Bamenda and the National Training Centre based in Kribi.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was a progress review of the National Fire Brigade fleet modernisation initiative.

According to officials, in partnership with French safety equipment manufacturer, DESAUTEL, the fire brigade has so far received 119 brand new vehicles, out of an expected total of 227.

Delivered in three waves between May 2024 and February 2025, the new equipment are expected to significantly boost the fire brigade’s ability to handle emergencies across the nation.

Speaking at the meeting, Brigadier General Kotoko stressed that modernisation efforts must go beyond material upgrades.

He called for a renewed focus on personnel training and capacity building, urging unit commanders to prioritise skills enhancement for operational teams at all levels. He equally used the opportunity to present the planned acquisition of helicopters for the Civil Protection Unit.

“This marks a critical leap forward, especially for delivering aid and emergency support to hard-to-reach regions,” General Kotoko said.

Looking ahead to National Unity Day on May 20, the commander reiterated the importance of inter-agency coordination to ensure safety and order during national celebrations.

The National Fire Brigade, he said, will work closely with administrative authorities and other defense and security forces for a secure and seamless event.

The meeting was also an opportunity for the officials to announce the 40th anniversary of the National Fire Brigade, scheduled for April 5, 2026.

They noted that strategic planning for the commemoration is already underway, underscoring the institution’s long-term vision for a modern, well-equipped and professionally trained emergency response corps.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3447 of Tuesday May 13, 2025