Tower Block fire was a mock exercise: Fire Brigade

Raymond Jaravaza, Online Reporter

THE Bulawayo Fire Brigade on Thursday conducted a mock exercise at the Tower Block and Revenue Hall buildings to identify areas of strength and weaknesses in its emergency response procedures.

The two buildings house hundreds of Bulawayo City Council employees.
When the fire alert alarms rang out just before 12 mid day, employees trickled from the high rise Tower Block building and Revenue Hall to an assembly point about 100 metres away in an open space.

Four fire engines and an ambulance responded to the mock exercise.
Bulawayo chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo said the mock exercise was a simulated fire alert to measure the fire brigade and employees’ preparedness to the emergencies.

“This afternoon the Fire Brigade conducted a mock exercise that the BCC staff at the two buildings were not aware of. The idea for the simulated emergency scenario is to test our preparedness for such emergencies as well as test the preparedness of the employees who work at the Tower Block and Revenue Hall,” said Mr Moyo.

“The other objectives of the exercise were to identify weaknesses in emergency response plans and to familiarise council employees with fire safety protocols and procedures as well as enhancing coordination and decision making under pressure,”

Mr Moyo said such exercises are also meant to test fire-fighting equipment and communication systems.

“The benefits of this exercise are that they improve preparedness, communication and build confidence in fire fighters and council; employees. The Fire Brigade, however, noted that there was reluctance among staff members in quickly evacuating the buildings, which is dangerous in the event of an actual fire,” he said.