FIREFIGHTERS

across the world were honoured during the International Firefighters’ Day for their dedication in saving lives. In the city, Capetonians were invited to get a glimpse into the workings of firefighters in Atlantis, Belhar, Bellville, Epping, Goodwood, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Kommetjie Road and other stations.

CAPETONIANS got a glimpse into the workings of firefighters when uniformed heroes welcomed the public to a number of fire stations across the metro as part of celebrating International Firefighters' Day yesterday.

The public were invited to visit the Atlantis, Belhar, Bellville, Epping, Goodwood, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Kommetjie Road and other stations.

Safety and Security Mayco member JP Smith said opening the doors to some of the fire stations gave residents an opportunity to learn more about the service and what it does. “Our firefighters risk their lives to save others and we ensure equipment will not only assist in the performance of their duties, but also their protection.

“These men and women put their lives on the line selflessly and they are there to save the very lives of people who attack them and their equipment. It is unacceptable that during the course of their duties their hoses are sabotaged, vehicles are damaged and they are robbed of City and personal possessions,” said Smith.

The City's Fire & Rescue Service boasts 64 fire engines, 29 water tankers, 26 skid units, 17 rescue and 13 aerial vehicles, said Smith.

Environmental Affairs MEC Anton Bredell visited the Cape Town Central fire station to thank all firefighters for their vital work. “The 4th of May is International Firefighters' Day, and it is an opportunity for society to show our appreciation to these essential frontline men and women.

“We had a busy fire season this past summer, which included the Parliament fire in Cape Town and extensive wildfires in Kleinmond and the Cape Winelands. More recently, firefighters were part of the various teams from the Western Cape that went to support rescue operations after the devastating floods in KZN.”

Bredell said the province had 1 650 professional firefighters and about 450 volunteers who serve at 96 fire stations in the province, adding that local government invested R15 million in aerial and specialised ground support during the summer and this contributed to the province's track record of managing 90% of fires within the first hour of being reported.

With the winter season fast approaching, Bredell said, the risk of fire changes from wildfires to domestic fires caused by open fires and paraffin heating systems. Working on Fire (WOF) had assisted in fighting more than 130 fires during the summer fire season, which has come to an end.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment programme assisted in fighting and containing more than 133 fires that destroyed thousands of hectares of forests and vegetation across the province.

WOF Western Cape's general manager Melany Duthie-Surtie thanked everyone who worked hard during the fire season.