The Mahdia Fire Station has received essential upgrades to bolster their response capabilities during fire emergencies.
This revelation came during a visit by Commissioners of the Mahdia Fire Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Wednesday.
The commissioners, while in Mahdia, inspected various key facilities including the fire station, secondary school dormitory, district hospital, and the trench used by firefighters for sourcing water during the night of the fire incident.
Notable enhancements include the provision of fire prevention tools like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in the dormitories.
The district hospital has been equipped with a wider range of medications and oxygen supplies to effectively manage both major tragedies and minor emergencies.
The fire station itself has seen the addition of crucial equipment, including a new water bowser, two breathing apparatuses, a cutting disc, a jaw of life, a sledgehammer, a power saw, and a firefighter axe. Furthermore, a well with a capacity of around 6,000 gallons of water has been dug in the compound.
Ryan Scott, Officer in Command of the Mahdia Fire Station, highlighted that while improved equipment undoubtedly enhances response capabilities, the timing of emergency calls also significantly influences firefighting efforts.
He cited an example from the night of the Mahdia dorm fire, revealing that the call for assistance was made approximately 15 minutes after the fire had ignited, resulting in the building being fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived.
The visit by the commissioners provided a valuable opportunity to scrutinize testimonies and gain a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired on the tragic night of May 22.
The COI has been granted a one-month extension, with expectations to conclude its work and present its findings to President Dr. Irfaan Ali by the end of November.
Reported by Trichell Sobers for NCN News