A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the National Fire Authority (NFA) and the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) in Suva today.
The MOU was signed by the NFA CEO, John O’Connor and FEA CEO, Hasmukh Patel.
NFA Chief Executive Officer, John O’Connor, said the MOU with the FEA is an important aspect of NFA’s fire mitigation strategy.
“This MOU will see both the organizations working together during fire emergencies in properties that have power supply.
NFA CEO John OConnor right with FEA CEO Hasmukh Patel left signed the MOU in Suva today. Photo: SUPPLIED.
“This is vital for the safety of the firefighters and for effective firefighting. One of the risk firefighters face when responding to a fire call is the risk of electric shock and possible electrocution and the signing of this MOU will ensure we work together to eliminate this risk.
“Electrical safety is an important component of fire safety and this MOU will assist NFA to work with FEA in preventing electrical fires in the country.
The NFA CEO highlighted that this is the first MOU of this kind signed by NFA with another stakeholder organization on fire safety.
“The MOU also places a lot of emphasis on preventative and proactive fire mitigation strategies,” Mr O’Connor said.
NFA and FEA will work closely together to ensure fire mitigation strategies are implemented in relation to electrical installations and products.
“The MOU also address staff development opportunities for both organizations in terms of fire safety and electrical safety.
“This MOU is very critical for NFA which paves the way for a close collaboration between FEA and NFA in ensuring the safety for the people of Fiji.
This MOU also ensures a strategic partnership between the two parties to fulfill the Government’s objective for a sustainable socio-economic development,” Mr O’Connor said.
Mr O’Connor thanked the FEA Board, FEA CEO and the management of FEA for the formalization of the MOU.
FEA CEO, Hasmukh Patel, said the signing of the MOU was an important milestone in the prevention of fires in the country.
“We acknowledge that some fires have been caused by electrical related issues and with the signing of this MOU, NFA and FEA will be able to exchange vital information to assist each other formulate strategies that will assist in reducing or eliminate fires in the country.
The MOU also provides for the distribution of fire safety information to the members of the public to assist them practice electrical and fire safety tips.
-Press Release