The Phnom Penh Municipal Police’s Fire Prevention and Rescue Department on January 24 received four fire engines.
They were donated by Japan through the Kusanone project to contribute to the department’s efficiency of response and to reduce the risks caused by fires in the capital.
Department director Prom Yorn told The Post that the four fire engines were delivered in a ceremony presided over by Phnom Penh governor Kuong Sreng and Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Masahiro Mikami at the municipal police headquarters on January 24.
“Phnom Penh has made significant developments in the field of construction with large commercial buildings – including hotels, night clubs and factories. During building process, fires often occur, especially in the dry season.
“The four fire engines ... will facilitate an efficient and improved response by the fire department for preventing the spread of fires and rescuing victims in Phnom Penh,” Yorn said.
According to Yorn, the donated vehicles include two heavy engines – one of which has a ladder for rescuing people trapped at heights up to 40m. Another engine is for pumping fire retardant foam while the other two are smaller engines also used for spraying water to extinguish fires.
He said that with this donation, the number of fire engines in the municipal fire department inventory has increased to 93 units, including four heavy engines.
They are deployed at seven stations throughout Phnom Penh, with 110 water pumping stations available in the capital. He added that the department currently has 104 firefighters.
Mikami said the four fire engines would help the work of fire fighters in their operations and improve their efficiency.
“These four fire trucks will be have a lengthy and useful period of service and reduce the property damage and loss of life caused by fires in the capital. They are a symbol of friendship between the people of Japan and the people of Cambodia,” he said.