Seasonal firefighters add to service ranks
02 December 2020
The ranks of the City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service have been boosted by 93 seasonal firefighters who will assist in the combat of wildfires during the summer season.
‘The higher temperatures during the summer season increases the risk of more and larger vegetation fires. Summer is often a busier season not only because of the increase in vegetation fires, at times 100 a day, but this is in addition to residential and informal settlement fires; rescues and responses to other incidents,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Seasonal firefighters are based at five different stations from December to April and are deployed to combat vegetation fires. They join about 900 professional firefighters who work on a three shift rotational system. In addition, two helicopters and a spotter plan are available.
From December 2018 to April 2019, the service responded to 5 396 vegetation fires, and for December 2019 to April 2020, they responded to 5 836 fires.
‘Many of our seasonal recruits have returned after fighting fires last summer season. It is a testament to the caliber and commitment of the entire service, as this is a job that requires physical and mental fitness. They join the ranks of a permanent contingent dedicated to protecting lives and property,’ said Alderman Smith.
The City now has 32 operational fire stations with the addition of Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Station, which is in line with bringing services closer to the community.
‘While our fire fighters are ready for a busy season ahead, we need residents to do their part in mitigating fire risks. The department continues their inspections and awareness drives within the necessary regulations, but we need residents to take heed of safety tips provided. Together we can make the season safer for everyone,’ said Alderman Smith.
Fire prevention and safety tips
Most house fires are caused by carelessness and not being properly prepared in the event of a fire. Smoking cigarettes or using matches, lighters, candles, heating appliances and equipment such as electric blankets can all cause fires if not carefully monitored. Residents can reduce the risk of fire by having a safety plan and following safety tips.
Tips for fire prevention and safety in the home:
Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach
Cut candles in half to prevent them falling over – and use a candle holder
Do not smoke in bed
If you can afford it, keep a fire extinguisher in your home; maintain it annually and learn how to use it
Keep a bucket of sand in the kitchen if you don’t have an extinguisher; throwing sand over a small fire, especially oil, can help contain it before it gets out of control
Keep a garden hose rolled up and ready in case of fire
Where possible, have more than one exit point from your house
Make an escape plan that the whole family knows about and can follow – see our Fire Safety:
Home ChecklistDo not park in the way of a fire hydrant
Preventing shack fires
Shack fires are very hard to control and can have devastating consequences for residents of informal settlements.
Pay attention to these basic tips and help control the risk:
Keep a close eye on paraffin stoves
Don't cook near a window with a curtain
Make sure the stove doesn't fall over, which may burn children or cause a fire. Make sure cooking fires are put out properly
Make sure candles are secure and can't fall over
Don't go to sleep or leave the house with candles or gas lamps still burning
Don’t smoke in bed
Teach children about the dangers of fire
Teach children not to play with matches or lighters – store these items out of their reach
Make sure cigarette butts are put our properly before disposing of them
Be aware of the dangers of illegal and faulty electricity connections, which also cause fires
Keep a bucket handy to fill with water so that you can extinguish flames easily
Keep a bucket of sand to put out paraffin fires
Build shacks a good distance (at least 3m) apart to prevent fires from spreading; make sure this space is kept open
Keep roads and access to shacks clear at all times
Do not block roads with salvaged household items when there is a fire
Do not prevent or disturb the work of fire crews fighting fires.
General safety tips include not making fires in open fields or veld and only in designated fireplaces or braai areas, and avoid drinking or using mind altering substances near a fire. The burning of copper wires or plastic is illegal.
Any fires should be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre as soon as possible by dialing 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.
Please report damaged fire hydrants and equipment to our Call Centre on 0860 103 089.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
