Army Corps of Engineers, New life for Baghdad’s fire stations

New life for Baghdad’s fire stations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraq's firefighters are better off today than they were under the regime of Saddam Hussein – when fire service was largely ignored.

Because firefighters received little or no training, they merely contained fires. When called on to fight fires, they lacked the basic equipment their stateside brothers take for granted. Fireproof gear, hardhats, oxygen tanks and mask, even an ax were rare or nonexistent.

“Originally, firefighters during Saddam’s time were given all the odd jobs,” said Bruce Edwards, a firefighter trainer with Skylink. “Whatever anyone didn’t want to do, they got the firemen to do it.”

Skylink has instilled a lot of pride in the Iraqi firefighters and is training them extensively to operate as a qualified fire department, he said.

“Now, they say, ‘No. We are professionals,” Edwards said. “We will not do the odd jobs.’ They’re here to save lives and property.”

During Saddam’s regime, firefighters would rush to a burning building in basic street clothing – shoes optional – only to face Saddam’s Soldiers waiting outside the blaze.

“If they refused to enter a structure or ran back out, they would be greeted by a bullet,” Edwards said.

Baghdad is underserved by fire stations and the services they provide. Thanks to Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Coalition Forces, Baghdad will benefit from 35 new or rehabilitated fire stations that will accommodate approximately 25 firefighters and 11 daytime administrative staff members.

“Not only are fire stations being refurbished, the firefighters are taking extremely good care of them,” Edwards said. “They’re proud of their buildings and proud of their work. The stations and the firefighters will allow for a safer Iraqi society.” (Story by Alicia Embrey, Gulf Region Central District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Requests for more information should be directed to Alicia Embrey at (540) 542-2644. Email requests can be sent to Alicia.Embrey@tac01.usace.army.mil For more information on the Corps in Iraq, visit grd.usace.army.mil. Release #050320b