With the winter season now in full swing, the number of household and veld fires tends to spike as residents rely more heavily on heating appliances, open flames, and other fire-prone ways to stay warm. This seasonal trend poses a serious risk to lives, homes, and infrastructure – especially in populated and informal areas.

Bloemfontein Courant reported a few fire outbreaks which occurred over the last three weeks, where various affected families were pleading for assistance from the public. In one incident, a shack burned down, leaving a single mother of a nine-year-old boy with nothing. Another incident saw a Heidedal family’s shack left in ashes.

In light of constant fire outbreaks during the winter season, the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM) issued a public notice urging residents to remain vigilant and to follow essential fire safety precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their properties.

Previously, our publication highlighted the current condition of the Mangaung Fire and Rescue Services, where a DA councillor raised serious concerns, saying that the department is in a dire state and urgent intervention is required from the municipality. The councillor further revealed that firefighters are poorly equipped to carry out their duties effectively.

Speaking on the matter, City Manager Sello More noted the current condition of the fire services and explained that provisions have been made to ensure the department is well equipped during this winter season.

“This is the height of the fire season, so we are responding. Our fire equipment is not in such a good space, although we are still able to respond to fire issues. We are finalising a full maintenance list of fleets. We are providing fleets for all our departments, including fire vehicles,” More added.

Fire Safety Tips:

• Paraffin appliances should only be used in well-ventilated areas
• Keep heating and cooking appliances away from combustible materials
• Only use SABS-approved gas appliances
• Upon suspecting a gas leak, avoid using electrical appliances or lighting matches, this could lead to an explosion
• Make sure that your fireplace is installed by a qualified technician
• Before sleeping, ensure your electric blanket is switched off
• Never leave clothes on a heater
• All flammable liquids should be stored in plastic containers and not in glass

Clement Matroos
clement@mahareng.co.za