Being a firefighter is often defined by urgency, danger and physical endurance. But for Firdous Seat, a firefighter based at Wynberg Fire Station, it is also about commitment, purpose and breaking barriers in a demanding male dominated field.

On International Firefighters’ Day, commemorated today, Seat’s story reflects the reality behind the statistics: thousands of emergency callouts each year and the emergency personnel who show up every time.

The Maitland resident said when she was younger she always knew she wanted a career that involved helping people.

“I’ve always been drawn to roles where you can help people in a real, hands-on way and my passion for Fire fighting started when I became a seasonal fire fighter.”

She said that even after seven years, she continues to find satisfaction in her work.

“It makes me feel proud to know I can make a difference when people need help the most. Sometimes it’s in big, life-threatening situations, and other times it’s simply bringing calm to a chaotic moment. Either way, being able to show up and help is what makes it meaningful.”

Beyond sirens

According to Seat, being a firefighter is about teamwork and commitment.

“As a woman in this field, it’s also about representation, showing capability isn’t defined by gender.”

Seat said the reality of the job went far beyond emergencies and sirens, and added, it is a daily test of resilience, strength and self-discovery.

“This job has taught me more about myself than I ever expected. It’s demanding, both physically and mentally, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”

She said the most rewarding part of her job was “making an impact.”

“You don’t always see the full outcome, but knowing you were there, that you showed up and did your job when it counted; that’s what stays with you.”

Rising demand

The City of Cape Town said in a statement its Fire and Rescue Services responded to 30 302 incidents between 1 May last year and 29 April this year.

This was an increase of 454 incidents compared to the same period the year before.

According to the City, vegetation fires, motor-vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, informal residential fires and formal residential fires accounted for the bulk of responses.

JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety and Security, said while the statistics are staggering, they offer a clear view of the demands and pressures on the service.

“The City continues to invest in the Fire and Rescue Service through resources, equipment and yet another new fire-station build, but I want to remind the public that they too need to be a part of the story.

“Fire safety starts with every one of us the more we can do to prevent fires or any other emergency, the more we reduce the growing load on our firefighters.”

Smith said the proposed capital budget for the Safety and Security Directorate in the 2026-27 financial year includes R20 million for fire-station upgrades, in Brooklyn, Mfuleni and Constantia as well as R3 million in initial investment for the construction of a fire station in Langa.

Celebratory event

The Fire and Rescue Service will host a public event at Wesfleur Sports Ground in Atlantis on Saturday 9 May from 09:45 to 15:00, featuring exhibitions, live demonstrations, sport and games. The day will begin with a cavalcade through Atlantis starting at 08:30.

READ ALSO: Maitland firefighter delivers nephew at home in dramatic morning rescue