Cape Town firefighters have been hailed as heroes in containing a devastating fire that caused extensive damage to Parliament\u2019s National Assembly Building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firefighters responded within minutes to douse a fire that started in parliament on Sunday 2 January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Wednesday 5 January, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, visited the Roeland Street fire station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am deeply grateful to every firefighter for showing your professionalism, pride in your work, dedication in the face of danger, and for raising Cape Town\u2019s flag high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou did so on Sunday and Monday, even in a time of national tragedy,\u201d said Hill-Lewis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that much of a firefighter\u2019s daily heroism goes unnoticed by the general public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEvery day you face danger in the line of duty to limit the devastation of fire in Cape Town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLarge sections of Parliament, representing not only our country\u2019s complex history but also our status as a constitutional democracy, were destroyed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou responded to the blaze within minutes, deploying the fullest possible extent of your resources in the shortest possible time.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hill-Lewis added that the full extent of the damage at the National Parliament buildings, or what caused it is not yet known. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe do, however, know that but for your quick and professional response, the damage would have been much worse. Your action prevented the destruction of some key parts of Parliament, like the historic Old Assembly Chamber, the Library of Parliament, and Tuynhuys.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Premier Alan Winde said the firefighters have shown their bravery and dedication during difficult times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTime and again, our brave fighters have showed up and tirelessly battled dangerous fire lines with expert precision and unrelenting dedication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey are quite simply heroes and heroines, making us feel safer during times of great risk. Thank you once again for all you do, despite the dangers and challenges you face in the line of duty,\u201d said Winde.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Cape Town firefighters have been hailed as heroes in containing a devastating fire that caused extensive damage to Parliament\u2019s National Assembly 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