Scarborough community becomes fire-wise
17 February 2016
The City’s South Peninsula subcouncil has contributed funds from ward allocation funding to help far south residents become fire-wise and reduce the risk of disasters.
Residents formed a team and have been trained by Robbie Erasmus from Enviro Wildfire Services to help fight fires. This forms part of the City’s Risk Reduction Programme managed by Mercynet, a humanitarian organisation run by Marti Weddepohl of Scarborough.
Fire awareness and response training
On Sunday, 7 February 2016 more than 50 neighbourhood watch members from Glencairn attended a training session on fire awareness and response.
The training included the following topics: an overview of the fires this season, fire behaviour and how it spreads, the potential threats to home owners, dangers, protective clothing, firefighting equipment, communication, protecting the home and protecting the fire break as well as a demonstration of equipment.
‘We identified high-risk areas where residents would benefit from training to help manage fires until help arrives.
Neighbourhood watches to support fire-fighting initiative
‘Residents of the Far South are already particularly vigilant and we welcome all interested parties through their neighbourhood watch organisations to contact us if they would like to be part of the team or if they are looking to raise funds to buy equipment.
‘Ultimately it is hoped that each community will have their own portable water pumps and hoses where necessary, particularly in areas that are not accessible to fire engines, for example high mountain slopes as a rapid response and to supplement the fire services resources.
‘This programme will only be done through the existing structures such as community policing forums and neighbourhood watch organisations. We wish to thank all those volunteers who have helped us in the past and encourage them to come forward and receive the necessary training in order for us to be better organised,’ said the City’s Chairperson for the South Peninsula Subcouncil, Alderman Felicity Purchase.
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