Residents urged not to leave open flames unattended to reduce fire risk
16 December 2021
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management and Human Settlements Directorate teams are urging residents in informal settlements and in its Community Residential Units (CRU) to be extra vigilant over the summer fire season. Open flames should never be left unattended. Read more below:
The summer fire season with the heat and strong winds holds great risks for fires occurring and spreading rapidly especially in densely populated informal settlements where there are often no firebreaks or access ways for emergency services. This also holds true for backyard dwellings. Incidents of fires destroying City rental units are also high. The City reminds residents to be aware of the risks of fire and to take the necessary precautions.
‘Most fires occur due to negligence or intoxication. Open flames must be watched and we cannot leave fires unattended. We are encouraging residents to protect themselves and their neighbours by observing basic fire prevention strategies, such as keeping a watch over open flames; keeping a bucket of sand at hand as a first defence should a candle fall over and mounting a candle in a can with sand to enhance safety. Residents who will be away for an extended period during the holidays should please inform the City’s Informal Settlement Management Department of their travels, and update their contact details with us, so that the City has their information on record.
‘Last year the City launched its R150 million CRU repair initiative with the National Housing Finance Corporation which is primarily focusing on the repairs to fire-damaged units across the metro. The programme has made great strides and the repairs are ongoing. Many fires can be prevented if we take the necessary precautions, and we ask our tenants in our CRUs to help, their families and neighbours, as far as possible.
Be vigilant and let’s keep one another and our families safe this festive season,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.
Fire safety tips to protect you and your family:
• Keep a close eye on open flames while cooking. Never leave a flame or fire unattended.
• Don’t start a fire when you are tired or intoxicated.
• Make sure candles are secure and can't fall over. Place your candle in a container filled with sand, so that when it falls over, the sand extinguishes the flame.
• Teach your family and children about the dangers of fire.
• Make sure cigarette butts are put out properly before disposing of them.
• Be aware of the dangers of illegal electricity connections, which also cause fires. Electricity tampering can also lead to fires starting. Illegal electricity connections are a major contributor to fires in the City’s rental stock.
‘If a fire breaks out and it looks like it will get out of hand, please call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre immediately by dialling 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone. Residents must make sure they give the correct address and if possible, a landmark nearby, like a shop or school. Residents should not wait for too long before reporting fires as they can spread very quickly – sometimes in mere minutes depending on the conditions, especially in Council flats and in informal settlements.
‘The City’s Disaster Risk Management Teams are active on the ground and will continue to spread awareness about fire prevention and help to educate residents about the ways they can enhance safety. This is a team effort. Reducing the risks of fires is a task that can only be achieved when we all work together,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
