Residents urged to be fire wise

The Citizen

2 days ago

DEMS responded to Germiston City News' inquiry about recent fires in Gerdview.
Gerdview resident Klariska Herrmann told GCN that she took bold action to face a burning building on July 29.
Herrmann said that when she saw the flames, she quickly grabbed her household fire extinguisher and rushed to the property. She explained how she heroically assisted in putting out the flames and prevented nearby structures from catching fire.
DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said the department received the call at 21:41 on Tuesday at Turnhout Road, Primrose.
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'A primary responding team of six firefighters was dispatched from Primrose fire station. On arrival, a backyard shack was found extinguished by bystanders.
'The risk was high because the main building was at risk of catching alight. There were no casualties recorded on the scene. The cause of the blaze is unknown.'
Ntladi said a resilient community stays on high alert and cautions its members about fire alerts.
'Some fires are caused either deliberately or accidentally. When using appliances that generate heat energy, responsibility becomes a top priority to avoid accidents that can be life-threatening and cause property damage,' said Ntladi.
'Any person using whatever appliance for cooking, lighting and heating needs to monitor their equipment.
'Never leave a lit appliance unattended. Be it electric, gas or even a brazier. In the absence of a responsible adult, any malfunctioning of such appliances can lead to a devastating catastrophe.
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'Of paramount importance is to know the life-threatening emergency number, which is 011 458 0911 to activate firefighting teams promptly. Activation first, followed by fire containment, like trying to use a fire extinguisher or bucket brigade system.
'We also urge residents to adhere to council bylaws. In accordance to Veld and Forestry Act of 1989 (Act 101 of 1989) and environmental Management Act of 1989 (Act 73 of 1989), state that no person may make an open uncontrollable or unattended fire or permit a fire to be made in such a place and/or in such a manner as to pose a real or potentially real threat to any human being, animal, building, premises or other property.
'Such information and knowledge reduce the risks of fires in the residential, industrial and farming zones. The Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services has a proactive subsection to assist the public with awareness safety messages.
'Members of the public can consult with the convenient fire station during the day and will be assisted accordingly,' said Ntladi.