Latest news with #Ntladi
The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Residents urged to be fire wise
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. ALSO READ: Gerdview woman praised for swift action in house fire '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. ALSO READ: One dead as shack fire destroys 12 homes in Germiston's Marathon informal settlement '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.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
CoE runs fire safety awareness campaign during Women's Day in Gauteng
While everyone celebrated Women's Day, CoE officials engaged communities in a fire safety awareness campaign. The awareness campaign ran from 08:00 to noon, with phenomenal attendance. DEMS officials and the Gauteng Fire and Emergency Services, under the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs as provincial sister departments, shared safety messages with the communities. ALSO READ: DEMS issues urgent fire safety warning With the recent low temperatures in Gauteng, the campaign came at the right time. 'Making matters worse, conditions were aggravated by rainfall. This made the weather unbearable for most residents. 'Because the cold front persisted for a few more days, heat appliance safety tips became a priority during the presentation,' said DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi. DEMS officials shared these safety tips: • Always have a responsible adult monitor heaters; • Switch off air conditioners and any heating appliances if there is no adult available; • Do not leave children alone around heaters; • Keep combustibles at least 1m away from heaters; • For those using braziers, fireplaces or coal stoves, keep windows or doors open to allow gaseous exchange. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide are toxic and can lead to death. ALSO READ: DEMS intensifies winter safety awareness across Ekurhuleni 'Should there be more rainfall, those near water streams need to be extremely cautious because flooding might affect them,' said Ntladi. It is a common practice amongst residents to phone the SAPS when needing fire services. They should rather keep the city's life-threatening emergency number in mind: 011 458 0911 or 112.
