Lusaka Fire and Rescue
Lusaka, capital of Zambia, has a population of 2.5 million people, and one central fire station to serve them. The city of Paris \u2013 of a similar size \u2013 has over 80. Nick Miles explores how Zambia\u2019s firefighters try and make that work, in this city of ignored safety regulations and combustible shanty homes.
Following them on their daily missions, from house fires in the compounds to industrial accidents in the factories, he finds a fire service capable of some real heroics. Yet it is also burdened with a terrible, city-wide reputation \u2013 responsible for all of Lusaka, they simply cannot move fast enough.
And while Lusaka\u2019s firefighters are used to the abuse they receive on arrival \u2013 from insults to thrown stones \u2013 they now find themselves on the frontline of a national political scandal too. For Zambians are protesting on the streets, demanding an explanation for the government\u2019s purchase of 42 new fire trucks - for $42 million dollars.
Photo: Firefighters put out flames, Credit: Lusaka Fire Station