10 May 2023

It was an evening in the dry season in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when MONUSCO received a fire alert, coincidentally, when the peak of the fire season starts in the region. Common activities can cause accidental ignition and spread wildfires. Last May, a major fire broke out at a bread factory in central Kinshasa. Brave men and women at the MONUSCO Fire Safety Unit, alongside local firefighters and the national police, exemplified what it is to put everything on the line to fight fires and save lives in their local community when they promptly sprang into action. 
 
Fire Officer Mr. Renato Lopez and Fire Safety Assistant Ms. Maguy Madede, effectively coordinated their team's response. “The fire broke out at approximately 8:30 PM, prompting a call to action from the Security Operations Center (SOC). Upon arriving at the scene, our team provided operational support to the ongoing efforts from the local fire brigade in battling the flames,” said Ms. Madede who mobilized resources by alerting the engineering section, arranging for the rapid deployment of an additional water tanker and taking the initiative of bringing in additional UN off-duty fire crew for assistance. Mr. Lopez maintained close communication with the Incident Commander from the national fire brigade, ensuring seamless coordination between the different units involved. The team quickly dispatched one command pickup, two fire trucks, and water tankers to the site.  Despite the obstacles, the team managed to control and eventually extinguish the fire, with no casualties reported. This effective response is a testament to their readiness and efficient teamwork. 
 
Reflecting on the lessons learned from the fire incident, the team identified the lack of water supplies as a significant challenge in the Congo. This shortage necessitates careful water conservation and the efficient utilization of available resources. The MONUSCO Fire Unit is strongly advocating for the installation of water tanks and/or hydrant systems in order to address this issue proactively. 

The response to this incident also underscores UNDSS's commitment to diversity and MONUSCO’s championing the push for gender inclusion in firefighting roles. In the context of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where women firefighters are rare, the presence and performance of individuals like Ms. Maguy Madede are significant. Her involvement serves to challenge traditional norms and inspires more women to consider roles in the safety and security sector. “Embrace courage and compassion. Being a firefighter is a noble service, regardless of who we are. Despite the physical demands and resilience required for the role, the journey is rewarding and worthwhile,” said Ms. Madede whose actions during this incident highlight that gender does not define capability or limit contributions in emergency response.