Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
THE Bulawayo Fire Brigade has clarified that a reported fire incident at the Natural History Museum earlier today (Wednesday) was actually a surprise mock exercise aimed at testing the responsiveness and preparedness of its crews.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo said even fire brigade personnel were unaware that the distress call was part of a drill.
“It was a mock exercise. We didn’t inform the crew. It was a simulation of a burst solar battery. We wanted to see how the team responds,” said Mr Moyo.
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) also confirmed that the incident was a drill intended to assess the disaster preparedness of its staff.
In a comment on a Chronicle video of the incident, NMMZ assured the public that there had been no fire outbreak at the museum and encouraged people to continue visiting the institution.
“We would like to inform the public that there has not been a fire break out at the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe today. You are assured that your museum is safe and you are encouraged to continue visiting it and exploring and enjoying your national heritage.
“What actually happened this morning was a fire drill as a disaster readiness for our staff members,” said NMMZ.
When fire tender sirens were heard in the city centre, a Zimpapers news crew followed the sound to establish what was happening.
Upon arrival at the museum, located at the intersection of Leopold Takawira Street and Park Road, staff members were being evacuated from the premises and directed to a designated fire assembly point.
The exercise was designed to assess the brigade’s emergency response capabilities and the effectiveness of evacuation procedures at the institution.
