As part of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality’s annual budget, equipment worth R73 000 and two fire vehicles were recently handed over to the Kouga Municipality, a region prone to vegetation fires due to invasive plants.
Executive mayor of the district municipality, Deon de Vos, said that as part of their annual budget for fire services, they have handed over 15 fire beaters, two ceiling hooks, 10 warning triangle cones, two rescue ropes, five hydrant keys, two general purpose foam, two brake blocks, one chain saw, two drip torches, 10 hoses (45mm) and one portable flood light.
In addition, he said that two much-needed fire vehicles were also handed over to firefighters who put their lives at risk for both people and animals.
“Firefighters are passionate people doing dangerous work, which should encourage us to assist with the equipment they need to do their jobs,” said De Vos.
Since the Kouga and Kou-Kamma regions are considered high fire risk areas, he believes that a larger number of resources should be budgeted for the two areas.
As they approach the fire season, De Vos said that it is important for firefighters to be well-equipped to ensure that they are ready once the fires begin.
He also encouraged the Kouga and Kou-Kamma municipalities to strengthen ties with one another and various other stakeholders, to ensure that fires are managed efficiently.
“Since the Kouga and Kou-Kamma regions are located in close proximity to each other, it is essential that the two municipalities collaborate with each other as the risk of fires spreading from one area to another is high,” said De Vos.
As part of the handover event, firefighters from the Kouga Fire Department were meant to receive certificates for their dedication and hard work; however since many of the firefighters were currently assisting the Kareedouw Municipality to battle a raging fire, the handing over of certification did not take place.
Kouga executive mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said that at least eight firefighters and one deputy fire officer from the Kouga Fire Department are currently in Kareedouw, battling a raging fire that threatened structures throughout the area.
He said that the fire department currently has two deputy chief fire officers, one divisional officer for fire prevention and training, eight senior firefighters, one office administrator, four control room operators, 28 firefighters, one fleet and assets controller, and one manager for the fire and disaster management team.
Bornman said that the equipment and fire vehicles handed over to the fire department will be utilised at all of their stations, which includes Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay, and Hankey.
He said that the Kouga Municipality will also procure additional equipment.
“The Kouga area is prone to vegetation fires due to alien invasive plants, especially in our coastal towns. The vehicle will assist us to react faster and will be able to move in off-road conditions,” said Bornman.
