Bravo to those who put others first

THICK black smoke from a burning warehouse in the Umbilo area dominated the city skyline yesterday as firefighters battled to bring the raging conflagration under control. Despite the rain, the smoke continued to billow over the city.

The job of emergency services was made more difficult by the strong winds that fanned the flames. First reports indicated one worker had been taken to hospital and later a firefighter had also been treated for injuries.

The pall of smoke could be seen as far as Ballito. The smoke also invaded much of the city, turning sunlight into gloom and making breathing difficult. It could have been much worse.

By all accounts the emergency services personnel did a sterling job under very difficult circumstances. Every effort was made to prevent the flames spreading to neighbouring warehouses and to save goods and vehicles. This is what firefighters do. They risk their lives to protect the lives and property of others.

Durban is fortunate to have skilled and dedicated personnel, be they firefighters, paramedics, police officers or lifeguards, among others.

From time to time reports surface of staff shortages in these important fields, as well as of staff not having the right equipment to do their jobs. Budget constraints, skills shortages and staff being poached are often given as the reasons for the problems.

If this is true of Durban, the situation in poorer towns and villages is dire. And often the blame lies with councillors and municipal officials in those communities. Money is wasted instead of going to emergency services.

Only when disaster strikes and they are needed are these shortcomings exposed. But it may well be too late. Durban’s dramatic fire showed again how dependent we are on brave people to do their jobs.

We need to give them all the support we can.