Don’t chase us – pleads woman fire fighter
By Richard Luo in Sinda
SINDA District council fire fighter Florence Mwansa says what men can do, women can do even much better.
And Mwansa has appealed to members of the public not to chase fire fighters away when they respond to distress calls.
In interview after showcasing her fire fighting skills during a demonstration, Mwansa she chose the career because she wanted to save lives and property.
She said women could do anything as long as they had the passion and interest.
“As a woman, I can still become a life saver just the way I am. Being a fire fighter is unique on its own. We are life savers. We save life such that what men can do, even us women can do it, even better,” Mwansa said.
She said people had to know that fire was dangerous and could cost lives and properties if not reported on time.
“People have to know that fire kills, fire destroys properties and fire can do anything if not handled properly. Fire is quite dangerous and that’s a reason why fire kills. Fire destroys properties beyond measures,” Mwansa said.
She appealed to her fellow women to trust themselves and dream high.
“My message to my fellow women is that we can become anything as long we have passion for that what we want to become. I have passion to save lives. I have passion to save property. Let’s do our best as women,” Mwansa said.
She appealed to communities not to attack fire fighters once they reached on the scene late because at times they are notified quiet late.
Mwansa warned them that fire could easily be quenched once it was reported at its genesis rather than when it had started spreading to other parts.
Her supervisor, lead fire fighter Penias Sakala, said he was impressed at the hard work and selfless performance of Mwansa and that he was hopeful that she would reach far in her career because of her zeal and dedication.
“We decided to let her showcase the skill in her to other women so that they get inspired, too, on what women are capable of doing away from men,” Sakala said.
“She is a very hard working woman, always committed to duty. I encourage every woman to have it in their hearts of not underrating themselves. They have two hands, two legs and the brain. They can do anything, any job a man can do,” Sakala said.
During the demo, Mwansa demonstrated how fire is put out while wearing her fire outfit to the amazement of the crowd.
District commissioner David Tembo honoured Mwansa with applause.
