East Jakarta Fire Service boosts settlement area preparedness

The East Jakarta Fire and Rescue Department (Sudin Gulkarmat) is increasing community preparedness for potential fires in residential areas through a fire management simulation. The activity was held to improve public readiness for fires that can occur at any time in settlement environments, said Abdul Wahid, Head of Operations at the East Jakarta Fire and Rescue Department, on Wednesday. A total of 60 residents from RW 04, Jati Urban Village, Pulo Gadung District, participated in the simulation. It provided not only theoretical understanding but also directly involved participants in practical fire handling. Through this activity, the community can acquire basic skills to respond to emergency incidents before firefighters arrive on the scene. The simulation was conducted with a house fire scenario built using wood, boards, and plywood, including a victim evacuation process. Residents received not only theoretical material but were also directly involved in the practice of extinguishing fires. The simulation encompassed an operational fire response plan rehearsal designed to resemble real conditions. Residents were guided through the stages of fire handling, from initial detection and incident reporting to the evacuation process and fire extinguishing efforts using equipment available in the surrounding environment. Participants also received education on the use of Light Fire Extinguishers (APAR), which had previously been provided to the community by the Jakarta Provincial Government. The use of APAR was simulated and integrated into the fire scenario, with previously educated residents directly invited to practise extinguishing methods. In addition to focusing on extinguishing techniques, the activity also provided training on how to communicate and coordinate with firefighters. Wahid stated that active community participation is essential in supporting the fire response process. Quick responses from residents, especially in the initial stages of an incident, can help minimise the risk of material losses and casualties. On the occasion, he also reminded the public to keep neighbourhood access roads open, noting that the habit of parking vehicles on the roadway can hinder the movement of fire trucks during emergencies. To support the simulation, the East Jakarta Fire and Rescue Department deployed six fire engines, 30 personnel, and six APAR units used in the practical session. As a form of support for neighbourhood preparedness, the department also handed over five APAR cylinders to the RW administrators to be kept as inventory and used in the event of an emergency in the area.