Firefighting in Cambodia

Who cares about firefighting in Cambodia? Well, Cambodians do! One of the reasons is that the capitol city of Phnom Penh, a city of 2.5 million people covering 145 square miles has only one firehouse. An independent contractor runs the fire service for the international airport, but they do not cover fires in the city. The missionaries in Phnom Penh I came to minister to found out where this lonely firehouse is located and arranged a visit. Whenever I visit a city, I try to work in a stop at a local firehouse. There is always an opportunity to minister in addition to swaping stories around the kitchen table.

One of the pictures you see is me standing next to the only ladder truck for the entire city, a late 1970's era American LaFrance 90 footer donated by a group of firefighters from the United States. They also have a collection of pumpers from Europe and China. There is no interior firefighting, and no resscue capability. These men fought fires with no bunker gear (protective clothing) until a couple of years ago when some firefighters from the United States donated their used gear. The fire chief (see picture top picture below) expressed his gratitude for all of the donations they have recieved, and his concern for all of the new highrise buildings under construction (travel tip: if you visit this city, stay on the ground or second floor!).

Needless to say, if your house catches on fire, you are in trouble. Last year a fire broke out in the garment district and five factories were destroyed. Stories continue to circulate that when the fire department arrives, you are asked to make a cash donation or else the water won't flow (these guys only make $70 a month and are required to work 6 days a week, 24 hours a day).

One of the things this illustrates for me is the can-do, make-do spirit of the Cambodian people. These guys still respond even though they are poorly trained, woefully under-equipped, and haivng to work in 100 plus degree temperatures. They make do with what they have. As one of my friends on this trip said, in admiration of the people, "What the Cambodians could do with a roll of duct tape!"

One of the morals of this is, the next time you see a fire truck, be thankful that when you dial 911 you are going to see a fire truck within a couple of minutes.

Blessings,

Dr. Paul