MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 12/ 2009
16 JANUARY 2009

Many Capetonians seem not to have heeded the lessons of the devastating fires in Gordon's Bay last month and in Melkbosstrand, Kommetjie and Camps Bay during last year’s fire season. The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service is responding to between 50 and 90 fire responses a day across the Metropole – the majority of which are the result of carelessness or negligence. Arson is suspected in some cases which are being further investigated.

“Conditions favourable for the development and spread of runaway fires are expected over the Cape Metropole and West Coast District for the next week,” says Ian Schnetler, the City’s Chief Fire Officer. “We responded to 81 fire calls on 5 January and 92 on 8 January and not one of them appears to have occurred naturally.

“Although many of these fires were well managed and quickly extinguished, several had the potential to become dangerous. The Fire and Rescue staff, and support fire fighting agencies are commended for their efforts in minimising these incidents.”

“We appeal to everyone to heed all fire warnings and minimise the use of open fires and would like to stress that starting fires deliberately is a criminal offence that the courts will punish harshly.

The high risk fire season (particularly for veld fires) is far from over and will continue for several months. Good rain in the past few months has encouraged vegetation growth and it is now at its driest in many areas.

Weather predictions for the coming days and weeks indicate a high potential for fires and a fire hazard warning is issued for the Metropole area.

The citizens of Cape Town are accordingly urged to be particularly vigilant and careful and observe good fire risk practices during the next few months. Residents in rural and informal areas and on the urban edge are requested to heed all fire warnings and minimise the use of open fires

1. Reporting of fires
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Report all fires immediately to the Emergency Number - 107 (from a landline) and 021-4807700 from a cellphone – and provide an accurate location of the fire.
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Report any persons deliberately starting veld or rubbish fires to Law Enforcement Telephone number (021-596 1999) - provide accurate detail of act, descriptions of persons, possible devices used for fire setting, vehicle/s (make, colour, registration number) observed.
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Report anyone cigarette butts from vehicles to the 24 hour hotline Emergency Control Centre 021-424 7715 providing information on where and when the incident occurred, the description of vehicle and registration number.

2. Prohibitions regarding fires
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A general prohibition on making open fires in non-demarcated areas is still in operation up to and including April 2009
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Burning combustible material of any kind without a specific burning permit during this period is prohibited and deemed an offence.
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Throwing burning cigarette butts from vehicles is prohibited and deemed an offence.
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Discharging fireworks without a permit or authorisation is prohibited and deemed an offence

3. Information to prevent or minimise fires
General:
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With the exception of residential homesteads, any recreational fires may only be made in specifically designated areas within the City’s parks and picnic areas. If there is no indication or demarcation, fires must not be made.
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Completely extinguish recreational/cooking fires immediately after use – never leave them unattended.
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Keep matches and flammable substances out of the reach of children.
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Don’t overload electrical circuits and switch off electrical current to prevent arcing if a fire occurs
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Do not allow properties to become overgrown or excess accumulation of combustible materials to be stored thereon.
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For large properties, ensure that adequate fire breaks have been provided and maintained

Informal settlement residences
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Provide adequate distance between dwellings for emergency services access
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Have more than one exit from the dwelling
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Never leave a fire unattended and extinguish fires or candles before going to sleep or leaving your dwelling.
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Use devices for heating and lighting safely
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Keep access to fire and water hydrants clear and available



END

ISSUED BY:
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 400 3719

MEDIA QUERIES:
IAN SCHNETLER
TEL: 021 590 1738 CELL: 084 220 0214