In Cameroon’s North-West region, the Army Rescue Unit Bamenda has marked a major milestone with a community-focused celebration of its 40th anniversary, combining public education, demonstrations, and outreach aimed at reducing fire disasters.
The event, held on Thursday, April 8, 2026, at the esplanade of the Nkwen Market in the Bamenda III Subdivision, brought together traders, local authorities, and emergency responders under the theme "40 years of commitment and solidarity, a strong legacy for a promising future." Proud of its past, confident in its future.”
Senior Warrant Officer Taku Paul, chief of center for the unit in Bamenda, said the anniversary was not just ceremonial but an opportunity to engage directly with the public. “We decided to come to Nkwen Market to talk to traders about the mission of the Army Rescue,” he explained. “We began with a sports walk and culminated in this public sensitization to educate the population on how to prevent and respond to emergencies.”
Focus on prevention and rapid response.
During the outreach, the senior warrant officer emphasized the importance of early reporting in emergencies. Residents were urged to contact the rescue unit immediately in the event of a fire, illness, or accident, rather than attempting to manage situations alone.
“We advised the population to avoid trying to control fires themselves until they get out of hand," Taku Paul said. “If they call us immediately, we will also respond immediately and do our best to contain the situation.”
The team also highlighted practical challenges affecting emergency response, including poorly installed electrical cables in neighbourhoods. According to Taku Paul, low-hanging and irregular wiring often obstructs the movement of fire trucks, delaying access during critical moments.
Motorists and commercial bike riders were also encouraged to give way promptly when emergency vehicles signal, ensuring faster response times.
Demonstrations and community involvement
A key highlight of the day was a hands-on fire safety demonstration, where traders were taught how to use fire extinguishers. Several participants, including the market leadership, took part in the exercise.
Azah Marie, the Market Mistress of Nkwen Market, praised the initiative and promised to replicate the sensitization efforts. “What we did here was to demonstrate how to quickly put out a fire,” she said. “It shows that it is not only the army rescue that can respond. Traders themselves can act in the early stages.”
She added that participants are expected to pass on the knowledge to others. “I will also take these lessons back home and sensitize my neighbours," she said.
Decline in fire incidents
Taku Paul says the campaign is already yielding results. Between 2022 and 2023, Bamenda experienced several major fires affecting markets across the city, including Mile Four, Nkwen, Bamendakwe, and the Main Market. However, it was revealed that since 2024, no major fire outbreaks have been recorded in the city.
“This improvement is thanks to continuous sensitization efforts,” Taku Paul noted. “The population is now more aware of what to do, and we have seen a significant reduction in incidents.”
Continuing outreach
The Army Rescue Unit says it plans to expand its awareness campaigns to other major markets, including Food Market, Ntarinkon, Mile Four, and the Main Market, reinforcing its commitment to prevention. They also used the avenue to share facemasks to the traders.
The anniversary celebrations concluded with a handball match and a cake-cutting ceremony at the Gendarmerie North West Regional Headquarters (Legion), bringing together personnel in a show of unity and reflection on four decades of service.
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