Thanking and investing in Firefighters on International Firefighters’ Day
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning thanked all firefighters for the important work they do to keep our communities safe. “The 4th of May is International Firefighters’ Day, and it is an opportunity for all of us to show our appreciation to these essential frontline men and women.”
Minister Bredell said an amount of R35 million is allocated over the medium-term, 2023/24 to 2025/26, in the Department of Local Government budget, for aerial firefighting. This funding will allow for improved firefighting in response to the increase in fire incidents in the province. An additional amount of R6 million will support the fire strategy of the department and strengthen the capacity in Fire and Rescue Services.
Minister Bredell said the Province has 1650 professional fire fighters and approximately 450 volunteers who serve at 96 fire stations in the Western Cape. “We had a busy fire season this past summer, and last year provincial firefighters were part of the various teams from the Western Cape that supported rescue operations after the devastating floods in KwaZulu Natal.
“All these operations were characterized by excellent teamwork between different firefighting units. Our brave and dedicated firefighters put their own lives on the line so the rest of us can be safe.”
Minister Bredell said the Western Cape Government invested R21million in aerial and specialized ground support during the past summer, and this contributed to the province’s track record of managing more than 90% of fires within the first hour of being reported.
The Western Cape Government, through the Disaster Management Centre, has developed a standardised Incident Command System, which means that any firefighting unit knows exactly what is expected of them in any given emergency. There is a clear chain of command and decisive actions can be taken quickly. The system requires all critical role-players to be involved, including landowners, through their respective Fire Protection Associations.
The Provincial Department of Local Government has over the past decade invested more than R120 million in providing municipalities with 65 fire trucks, which were specifically designed and adapted for local conditions. “Earlier this year a fuel truck overturned on the N1 outside Beaufort West, and a lot of the emergency equipment used to make the area safe came from this support. Thankfully, due to well-trained firefighters with the right equipment, we could manage the very dangerous situation without any fatalities,” Bredell said.
Bredell said with the winter season fast approaching, the risk of fire changes from wildfires to domestic fires caused by open fires and paraffin heating systems. “We have installed more than 13 000 smoke alarms in informal dwellings and do awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers associated with domestic fires in high-risk neighbourhoods.”
High levels of load shedding add to the fire risks for this coming winter, and we ask people to pay extra care when using gas heating or candles during load shedding. “It is a good investment to have a smoke alarm installed in your house as an early warning device. It can save your life,” Bredell said.
Enquiries:
Wouter Kriel
Cell: 079 694 3085
E-mail: Wouter.kriel@westerncape.gov.za
