PNG government announces major fire service review

3:15 pm on 25 August 2015

Papua New Guinea's National Executive Council has approved a submission for a complete review of the country's fire service.

The fire service has come under criticism after recent major fires in Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen, and Kokopo, where fire services were unable to respond immediately due to a lack of equipment.

The minister for inter-government relations, Leo Dion, says previous governments have ignored fire safety, and the review will recommend strategies and technologies to meet changing needs.

Papua New Guinea's Deputy Prime Minister, Leo Dion.

The minister for inter-government relations, Leo Dion. Photo: RNZI

He told the Post Courier the fire service is expected to develop partnerships with various organisations to keep people, buildings and sites safe from fire.

Mr Dion has encouraged to people to prepare reports and recommendations for the review, which will visit every major town and province.