Al Ameen Fire Station in east Baghdad (USACE Photos)

Baghdad, Iraq – Baghdad fire fighters hosted an open house June 10 when the first of eight new fire stations officially opened.

U.S. Ambassador Daniel Speckhard along with Iraqi fire and civil defense representatives participated in the ceremony conducted at Al Ameen Fire Station in East Baghdad.

Speckhard said the event was inspiring “because it’s a symbol of Iraq’s future.” He said fire fighters throughout the world were recognized for their courage, “but I think in Iraq there is a special admiration of your bravery because you’re putting your lives on the line every day to save fellow Iraqis.”

Jim Otwell with the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office also attended the dedication ceremony. Otwell explained that under Saddam Hussein Baghdad had just 17 fire stations in various states of disrepair. Today there are 25 fire stations including 17 older structures that have been totally renovated. “Five years ago places like Sadr City had just one fire station covering 2.5 million people. Today we have at least three supporting that area. Response time has decreased from 15 minutes to five or six minutes.” He noted that throughout Iraq $125 million is being invested in fire stations, equipment, and training.

Al Ameen features two Mercedes 750-gallon pumpers, a Mercedes 500-gallon mini-pumper, and two 5,000-liter tankers – all purchased within the last two years.

Baghdad Fire Department Lt. Colonel Ali Mustafa Hable, who is responsible for training throughout Baghdad, said fire fighters love their job. “It’s about humanity. To respond to a call and rescue someone off a roof of a burning building is a great moment for us.” He noted that two days ago they had a car bomb detonate and those at Al Ameen ended up providing emergency first aid to 10 people, transporting them out of the danger area to awaiting ambulances.”

Al Ameen Fire Station has 70 Iraqis on its squad, with an average of 20 people per shift. They work 24 hours straight and then get two days off. They respond to an average of thee to five fire and rescue calls daily.

Otwell pointed out Baghdad is getting two HAZMAT (hazardous material) teams, one for the east side, and one for the west side. Three search and rescue teams are also being formed for the north, central and southern areas of Iraq.

“We’re looking at providing the fire fighters portable lights for fire and rescue calls at night and portable compressors to fill up their air tanks. They’ll also be offered basic fire fighting training in Baghdad. In addition, the officers will be offered a 10-week school in Fire Officer I, Fire Officer II, HAZMAT, and first aid.”

Speckhard said, “I’m impressed with these firemen, their courage and dedication to the Iraqi people. We have the building, we have the equipment, we have the training .. but the most important ingredient is the men and women who serve as firemen and firewomen.” He concluded saying he hoped all knew that the “hearts of the American people are with the Iraqi people.”

Al Ameen Fire Station is a 925 square meter structure that features 5 bays (3 for ladder trucks and 2 for SUVs). It includes a dormitory area for 20 fire fighters, dining room for 30, commercial grade kitchenette to feed 40 people, a training room for 20, locker room, a control room, and a Chief’s office. Construction of the $901,876 structure started Dec. 27, 2004, and was completed in May.

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