City urges residents to be fire-wise over winter months
15 April 2021
While the risk of fire is a year-round threat, the introduction of heating devices during the colder months presents an increased risk.
As temperatures start dropping in the run up to winter, the City’s Fire and Rescue Service reminds the public that it pays to be fire-wise at all times.
Between May and August last year, the Fire Service received just over 6 000 calls, of which:
42% were special service calls like motor vehicle accidents, trauma incidents etc.
28% were rubbish or vegetation fires
10% were informal residential fires
9% were formal residential fires
'Apart from fires, the service also responds to motor vehicle accidents, which generally increase during poor weather conditions. It is a busy time for the service, but no different to other times of the year. It’s simply that the priorities shift somewhat.
‘That said, residents should always be mindful of how they can help mitigate the risk of fire, whether in their own home or in the general environment. As winter approaches, people will start dusting off their heaters and other heating devices like fireplaces and galley bins. It’s important to ensure that you check these devices before use, and ensure that chimney flues are cleaned. Where old tins are used to make fire, it’s imperative to remember that these should never be taken indoors due to the toxic fumes they emit,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Some of the main causes of fires are electrical faults, children playing with matches, flues not cleaned before the winter months, illegal electrical connections, grease fires, suspected arson and smoking material igniting combustible material.
Preventing a fire should be a priority for every household and residents should have measures and early warning systems in place to minimise the risk of fire during winter.
As for early warning systems, a smoke alarm can be fitted in the house. Have a fire extinguisher of at least one kilogram (DCP) on hand for the incipient phase of a fire. Parents should also ensure that children do not play with matches.
During a power outage, the surge could give rise to electrical fires as a result of an electrical short circuit – hence it is advisable to use multi-plugs with a surge protection mechanism.
Apart from the dangers of extinguishing a fire, crews often have to deal with aggressive residents who will try to intimidate or make it difficult for staff to do their work. Fire Service staff have been subjected to numerous attacks and intimidation during the past months. The most recent intimidation happened on Saturday, 3 April 2021, when staff responded to a fire in Delft South, where four people including two infants, died. Crews from Belhar, Bellville and Lansdowne Road fire stations who responded to the call, were verbally assaulted and threatened. One staff member was manhandled by individuals in the community. Fearing for their safety, the crews returned to their various stations under police escort.
‘Attacks on fire crews are counterproductive and dangerous and do nothing to foster better relationships with communities. Emergency call-outs should be respected and firefighters and other emergency services should be left to do their jobs, without having to look over their shoulder. Those who intimidate our staff members are not only disrespecting the uniform, but also have no regard for vulnerable residents in dire need,’ added Alderman Smith.
In the event of a fire, residents should contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone. Its important to provide the exact location of the incident and a contact number in the event that the operator needs to contact you.
It is also advisable to save these numbers on a cellphone.
For comprehensive fire safety information and useful tips to reduce the risks, visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/basic-household-safety/fire-safety
Residents can also keep a fire safety checklist at home to ensure that preventative measures are in place: https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms,%20notices,%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Pages%20from%20Job_NO._2592_Fire_Safety_HOME_CHECKLIST_Eng.pdf
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
