New fire station amid rising risks

The Langeberg local municipality in Robertson has for years relied on a single satellite fire station based in Ashton to service five towns and neighbouring farms.

But as climate change has become more of a reality, Western Cape MEC for environmental affairs and development planning Anton Bredell said the increase in natural disasters in the region meant they had to invest in a facility that can handle the scale of the natural disasters now happening in the region.

The department has invested R17 million to build a new fire station. “With natural disasters becoming more frequent due to climate change, we must continuously build on our disaster management system,” premier Alan Winde said at the opening of the fire station.

The facility’s machine bay can accommodate up to six fire engines.

According to the Western Cape government website, in 2015 South Africa recorded its lowest annual rainfall since 1904.

In the same year, Cape Town recorded its highest temperature in the last 100 years at 42oC. The lack of rain and abnormally high temperatures ended up contributing to some of the worst fires the city has seen.

“The current summer fire season has shown us the importance of this, as well as the need to strengthen partnerships.

“With the impact of climate change evident all around us, improved collaboration is essential.

“We are reminded of this with the mass power outage that hit the Central Karoo, Garden Route district and Overberg,” Winde said.

“This is a significant investment in saving lives and property and will further bolster our province’s efforts to respond more effectively to disasters.”

Yesterday, three people died in a fire that destroyed six homes in Fisantekraal, Cape Town.

The City of Cape Town said it had documented 13 087 fire incidents between October and January.

Improved collaboration is essential.

Alan Winde Western Cape premier