It takes a special type of courage to don a firefighter’s uniform. It is not everyone’s cup of tea. This is why the 40 recruits who have just taken their oaths and joined the Samoa Fire and Emergency Service Authority deserve more than just congratulations.

The number of fires in the past two years is not to be taken lightly. We have seen brave firefighters in action each time a massive fire has broken out. From the Sunrise building fire to the Maria Pharmacy blaze, firefighters have fought massive blazes to ensure that they are controlled.

They are the modern depiction of St George fighting the fire-breathing dragon. And just like St George, our firefighters get injured while working. In the last massive blaze in Lepea, two firefighters were taken to the hospital.

Smoke inhalation and burns are part and parcel of the work. The 40 recruits will realise the nature of the work is not easy. They have taken the first step and now they will become part of the brave group of men and women who have been saving lives and people’s properties all over Samoa.

Firefighters play a crucial role in our communities, serving as first responders, community helpers, and educators. They are the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us from fires and other emergencies.

While the numbers of firefighters have been boosted, there still needs to be more fire stations around the country. Ideally, it would be great if little fire stations with at least one or two trucks could be placed in strategic locations so they could provide service to five villages instantly.

The current situation is that there are three fire stations in Upolu and two in Savaii. Response to fire incidents in rural areas is lacking and there needs to be a focus on constructing more fire stations. More recruits should not only fill the gap. The ultimate aim should be to decrease the time it takes to respond to an emergency, be it a fire or any other type of accident.

Fire Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone Mauga has emphasised the ongoing need for fresh recruits each year, especially in light of the temporary fire station recently opened in the Aana district and the construction of a permanent facility.

The need for additional firefighters was further highlighted by recent resignations, which created new vacancies that the authority aimed to fill.

“Given the increased demand from the Ambulance Service and numerous major structure fires, especially during the dry months, the government approved the Aana Station in Faleolo. This will serve as the first response station for emergency calls from the western side of Upolu,” Tanuvasa explained.

We hope that there are more fire stations to be built around the country or explore the idea of community-based volunteer fire service for areas which are far from fire stations.

While on the subject of fighting fires, it would be good to remember that “Fire is a good servant but a bad master.”

It has been dry and the situation is just right for wildfires. We had one in Savaii a few weeks ago and the SFESA responded to a few wildfires in populated areas last week and the week before that. This prompted a warning from the fire chief about stopping burning rubbish and dry leaves.

We love to collect all our cut grass and raked leaves and set them on fire as a means to get rid of them. Most times, these fires are not monitored and because of the dry conditions, they spread. Sometimes the result is the destruction of properties.

Take the warning seriously. It is only for the good. The current El Nino effect means the dry season will continue, so be careful.

We hope to see SFESA continue its good work in fighting fires and saving lives in all emergencies. They are at most times, the first responders. We also hope that there is consideration for more fire stations around the country.

These are the types of things development partners would be interested in providing help. Fire and emergency services are an important part of any community. We salute the brave men and women who join this service.

Have a great Sunday.