Educate residents about fire services
THE city will not declare no-go zones for firefighters, despite attacks in high risk areas on the Cape Flats.
On Monday night, three City Fire and Rescue Service trucks were stoned when responding to a call that a wood and iron home was alight in Merlin Road, Phumlani Informal Settlement, near Lotus River.
Spokesperson Tracey Whittaker said the trucks, accompanied by SAPS, withdrew from the area because it had been unsafe.
In the past 18 months, firefighters have been attacked in Masiphumelele, Imizamo Yethu, Elsies River, Crossroads, Klipheuwel, Khayelitsha, Retreat, Vrygrond, Dunoon, Manenberg and Nyanga.
Council’s mayoral committee member for safety and security and social services, JP Smith, said yesterday it was “business as usual” for firefighters but with extra precautions that could delay response times.
“When we have to close a fire station for any amount of time as a result of damage or threats to staff, it delays the response to any incidents that occur during that closure, when resources have to be dispatched from other areas.
“When residents physically prevent firefighters from doing their jobs and force them to leave the area, they are placing lives and property at risk,” said Smith.
Just one truck out of commission at a station has a “serious effect” because it results in response times increasing from under 14 minutes to around 25 minutes because another truck would have to be sent from a neighbouring fire station further away, said Smith.
“Notably, due to the attack on officers in Siqalo, 29 structures burnt down instead of five.”
Chief fire officer Ian Schnetler said: “All our vehicles are fitted with protective shields over the windows to prevent injury as far as possible, and officers are given the discretion to withdraw at any sign of danger or attack. Unfortunately, some have occurred on the way back.”
Smith said all incidents were crimes and the community should report perpetrators to the police or the city’s public emergency communication centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone .
“It is disheartening for all in our profession that we are seen as an enemy rather than a guardian angel striving to protect the very community that appears to shun or criticise our service for no reason,” Schnetler said.
SA National Civic Organisation provincial secretary Bongikhaya Qhama said: “We do not promote the stoning of emergency workers which include firefighters.
“Where misunderstanding has occurred, all parties should go back to resolve the situation. We invite fire chiefs to educate the communities about their work. We call for calm in the communities.”