A community “fire watch” programme will be rolled out in Masiphumelele to build positive relationships with firefighters.
Ward 69 safety and security representative Jonathan Mills said the fire watch is aimed at ensuring firefighters safely enter the area to do their work with the assistance of community workers.
“There were issues in the past. We don’t want firefighters to feel that they are unwelcome.
“At the last fire in Masi, the fire truck blocked the road so taxi drivers could not get their vehicles out so they threatened to stab the driver of the fire engine.
“We are hoping by doing this programme that firefighters would have the space and accessibility to the area and find friendly faces and people who give a helping hand.”
Mills added that the programme is to achieve three things: setting up a community fire watch (like MasiWatch) with training at the fire station to assist on the scene with crowd control; fire prevention, and making sure hydrants and booster valves are accessible, ensuring everyone knows to call the fire station direct on 021 444 0111; building a better understanding between the community and the firefighters – showing them the best routes between shacks and knowing each other’s faces as to work as a team.
“It started with a meeting with the fire department. We are hoping to get around 20 people from Masiphumelele to get to know the firefighters at Kommetjie Fire station.
“They will for example learn where the fire hydrants are and if a fire does happen, there would already be people who know what to do.”
He added that the fire watch is to assist with crowd control, fire prevention and building better community relationships.
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue services responded to nearly 5 500 incidents between 1 November 2021 and 2 January 2022, including fires, rescues and medical emergencies.
Between 1 November 2021 and 2 January 2022 fires accounted for just over 70% of all responses (3 937) the majority being vegetation fires.
In a statement, Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said fire and rescue services form a critical element of the festive season safety plan.
“While the focus is very much on putting out fires, a significant part of their workload also includes responding to trauma and emergency calls, and the occasional rescue of a kitten, as was the case recently.
“But fires, and vegetation fires, in particular, are a major threat over the warmer months, which is why we shore up our defences over this time of year, with aerial support, seasonal resources and an ongoing partnership with other agencies that focus on fighting wildfires.”
Among the additional resources available to the fire and rescue service over the festive season are 120 seasonal firefighters.
“As usual, fire prevention and mitigation is a shared responsibility.
” I want to urge the public to report any fire they might witness.
“Quick, decisive action can go a long way in mitigating the extent and impact of a fire,” said Smith.
The public can report fires or any other emergency incident to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
