Firefighters show off bodies in calendar to assist burn victims

THE City of Cape Town’s firefighters raised temperatures yesterday when they unveiled their inaugural calendar aimed to benefit burn patients.

“Whenever someone is burnt, it means we could have done something better,” said Ryan Abrahams, a firefighter based at the Roeland Street fire station in the CBD.

“This calendar is to show the city that we care,” he said.

Abrahams is part of a group of Cape Town firefighters – men and women – who have shed their clothes in order to raise funds for The Children’s Hospital Trust, specifically burn patients.

The City’s fire department has long been involved in raising funds, particularly for young burns patients. Annually, they host the Fireman’s Ball.

The firefighters are also known to visit the Red Cross Children’s Hospital frequently, allowing children onto the fire trucks and spending time with them in their wards.

Along with raising funds, the purpose of the calendar was also to raise awareness about safety and the profession itself.

Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Theo Layne said: “One of the most important things this calendar can promote is the need for fitness and stamina. This is a physical job.”

The calendar is also filled with useful tips about fire prevention and staying safe when a blaze occurs.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith explained the build-up to the calendar’s release, saying chief fire officer Ian Schnetler was “very dubious at first”, but fortunately came around and saw the use of his firefighters showing off their physiques.

“There was a very excited response from the ladies on the sixth floor of the Civic Centre. When copies of the images were made available, they were disseminated very quickly,” Smith said.

About the photo shoot itself, Abrahams said it was tricky facing professional photographers. “Normally we just take selfies in the mirror.”

Another firefighter, Cheron Hendricks, who appears on the cover of the calendar, said this time of year meant they worked harder and, as a result, their bodies were in better shape.

Moleka Mofekeng, a female firefighter from Kuils River, said she enjoyed being photographed and having a shot at fame, but, most importantly, liked knowing she was part of doing something good. – ANA