Macassar Fire Station has been given a R2,7 million makeover to enable it to better serve the fire and rescue needs of Macassar, Croyden, Faure, Firgrove, the area along the boundary of the Cape Winelands District Municipality and the area from Bredell Road to the R44.

The upgrade, which commenced in February 2008, involved the complete demolition of the old building and the construction of a brand new fire station that caters for 21 staff members.
“The previous building was constructed in 1999 as a temporary facility with plans for later expansion. This expansion programme became a reality in February 2008, culminating in the completion of the new 250m2 building, with new and better facilities,” says Sabastian Martin, Operational Head of Fire and Rescue Service in the Eastern District.

“It offers two dedicated engine room bays, with seven rooms (Sleeping Quarters), an open plan rest area and mess facilities, an administration office and a watch room.

“Previously, the expensive and fully equipped fire engines had to be parked outside and in the open. These vehicles are now parked in a covered engine room on a 24 hour basis in two engine room bays.

“Other facilities include a yard for drills and training exercises and separate living and ablution quarters for the male and female staff who work in teams of seven. The previous facility did not cater for separate facilities for male and female firefighters,” he says.

Besides serving as the base for Macassar, the new facility will be used to provide a 24 hour response to fire, rescue and medical emergencies. It will also serve as a venue for station visits by communities, schools and crèches for fire awareness training programmes.

During the 10 months of renovation, the Macassar staff were re-deployed to the Strand Fire Station, to serve the entire Helderberg basin.

“This past summer we literally went through a baptism of fire with the devastating Helderberg blazes. The Helderberg firefighting teams have demonstrated their mettle,” says Sabastian.

The fire station will operate on a three platoon system, where one Platoon Commander and six firefighters staff the fire station on a 24 hour basis.

Angelo Canterbury, Divisional Commander for Operations - Eastern District 2, who is based at Strand Fire Station, will be responsible for the Macassar Fire Station, which will initially be run by two Platoon Commanders, J Schutte and S Jordaan and Senior Firefighters. An additional Platoon Commander will be assigned to the station in the near future.

Angelo has more than 25 years service with the City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Service, serving in all sections, including Control, Operations, Fire & Life Safety & Fire Training. He has a wealth of firefighting experience and was recently promoted from Station Commander to Divisional Commander.

The City is currently upgrading the existing Somerset West Fire Station and has plans to build another fire station in the vicinity of Sir Lowry’s Pass village. The building of another fire station is dependant on the results of an archeological survey as the land is purported to be an old burial site.

There are currently 28 fire stations serving the entire Cape metropole area, from Atlantis in the north, to Simon’s Town and Cape Point in the south and Gordon’s Bay and Strand in the east.