This, in reference to two firefighters, Daniel Zwane and Michael Letsosa, who recently lost their lives putting out a fire in a central Joburg building.
The cause of their death is still under investigation, but initial indications show the cause could include toxic smoke inhalation.
Launching the event, MMC for Public Safety, Sello Lemau said it was imperative for the deceased firefighters to be remembered by communities improving their participation, awareness and preparedness at all times and the implementation of fire safety measures in homes.
MMC Lemau said the event was launched at Itlhokomeleng Old Age Home and Daycare Centre in Alexandra. This venue was symbolic as the City wants to enhance awareness and capacity at the most vulnerable places to ensure their protection, especially in winter when there are more uncontrolled fires.
He said the fires were mostly caused by unregulated heating and lighting; candles not secured properly to prevent them from falling; the use of open fires for cooking; and using imbaulas [braziers] in confined spaces resulting in inhalation of toxic smoke; illegal electricity connections and the use of fire in vengeance of love relationships gone wrong.
MMC Lemau said the focus on community partnership is built on previous safety awareness campaigns and the promotion of safety gadgets. It included the rollout of Jozi safety kits and distribution of smoke detectors to the old age homes and informal settlements.
A total of 40 kits were distributed in Alex as part of 1 000 to be rolled out to the entire 180 informal settlements in the City and to 240 old age homes. The kits are 25-litre buckets containing a paraffin stove which extinguishes itself when disturbed, a 2-litre paraffin container with safety cap, smoke detectors and burn kits to treat minor burns.
Lemau added that along with the the kits, community members will be taught how to improve safety and put out fires while waiting for the arrival of the emergency services.
You may be interested in reading, UPDATE: Joburg Emergency Management Services take responsibility firemen’s deaths.
Is the campaign enough to raise awareness on fire safety? Let Alex News know by leaving a comment below.
