With extreme hot temperatures expected during the summer months ahead the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services are gearing up for what it describes as its busiest season. This past week alone has seen the service respond to multiple fires.
JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety and Security, said from Monday 10 to Monday 17 November the City’s fire and rescue teams have responded to 632 vegetations fires. He said the strong south-easterly wind, prominent since the start of the month, had been a contributing factor.
“Most of these vegetation fires required multiple resources, with crews working for hours under trying circumstances to bring the fires under control. We urge the public to be vigilant, especially on days when we are experiencing hot and windy conditions.”
Smith urged residents to make use of the Public Emergency Communication Centre number 021 480 7700 to report such incidents.
“Save it to your phone and report any type of emergency, including fires. Do not assume someone else has reported it, especially if there are no emergency services present yet.”
It is also important to provide as much details as possible, to lock in the location and ensure a speedy and appropriate response.
“Think landmarks, like bridges, street names or big intersections or buildings in the vicinity,” Smith said. “This is incredibly useful when relaying information to emergency communicators.”
