FEMALE FIREFIGHTER RESCUES NEWBORN BABY FROM PIT LATRINE IN MPIKA

A female firefighter in Mpika District has rescued a live newborn baby boy who had been abandoned in a pit latrine in Shanghai Township.

The baby was retrieved by Fire Officer Felistus Banda of the Mpika Town Council Fire Brigade after community members alerted firefighters upon hearing the infant crying from inside the latrine.

Banda bravely entered the pit latrine and successfully brought the baby to safety.

A technical rescue team led by Sub Officer Nebert Kasonda was later dispatched to support the confined space rescue operation, ensuring the infant was safely retrieved and wrapped in warm cloths.

Banda, who was born in Lusaka, began her education at Chawama Basic School before completing her secondary education at Chongwe Secondary School in 2021.

She later enrolled at the National Fire Fighters Training School in 2024, driven by her passion to save lives and protect property.

After completing her training, Banda was first deployed to the Serenje Town Council Fire Brigade in Central Province before being transferred to the Mpika Town Council Fire Brigade in May 2024.

She is among the growing number of female firefighters serving in Mpika District.

Meanwhile, Mpika Town Council Divisional Fire Officer Reuben Mukonde has commended the bravery of female firefighters, noting that women are equally capable of performing demanding rescue operations.

He said young officers have continued to demonstrate courage and dedication during emergencies.