Husseiniya fire fighters move into new facility

Story and photo by Norris Jones
Gulf Region Central District US Army Corps of Engineers


The Husseiniya firemen are proud of their new equipment and the training which they have received. They are now able to battle fires and respond to emergencies better than ever before.

Baghdad, Iraq -- Husseiniya city officials and fire fighters in north Baghdad Province hosted a ceremony recently marking the opening of a new $1.1 million, three-story fire station that will benefit the city’s 450,000 residents.

The 925-square meter concrete structure features five bays; three for ladder trucks and two for SUVs. It also includes a dormitory area for 25 fire fighters; a dining room for 30; a commercial-grade kitchenette equipped to feed 40 people; a training room for 20; locker room; a control room; and a Chief’s office.

Parsons Delaware had the contract and the subcontractor was Al Karaada Company. A daily average of 25 Iraqis were on the construction crew.

Mohan Al-Fiaydh, chairman of the Istakal Qada Council, officiated at the building’s dedication and praised the workmanship of the structure as well as its value for the community. “We have 75 fire fighters who will work out of here -- 25 per eight-hour shift. The city’s fire station was not suitable for their training, to house their equipment, or to respond to this area’s needs.” He explained that city residents can call a “115” emergency number in order to provide information on the location of the fire. He estimated the fire squad responds to about one fire weekly.

Many of those in attendance at the dedication spoke about a mass-casualty event that had happened the week before. A vehicle-born improvised explosive device (VBIED) was detonated in Husseiniya’s downtown market killing 22 and injuring 57 people. The fire fighters earned high praise for their quick response as they provided first aid to the injured, rushed the critically wounded to the hospital, and used their new equipment to extinguish the numerous blazes.

Baghdad Fire Department Major Raaft Nashat, who oversees five fire stations, says that the training is a critical element in upgrading their system. Compared to a decade ago, he emphatically stated that Baghdad’s fire fighters today are much better prepared for emergencies because they are trained in the use of personal protective equipment; fire fighting pumpers and tankers; and the new rescue equipment. In addition, both the renovated and the new fire stations make the job easier to get done. Nashat has 22 years experience and points out that continued training is essential; especially for new personnel now being recruited.

During their open house, the Husseiniya fire fighters were proud to show their new Mercedes-Benz Freightliner 500-plus-gallon mini-pumper; a Mercedes-Benz 1000-gallon pumper; a Sides 1000-gallon pumper; and two Mercedes-Benz Ateco 3,000-gallon tankers. With few places to draw large quantities of water in the city, this equipment allows them to transport that resource themselves so that they can battle any fire.