DEMS relies on network to support towns in need
“Currently due to mechanical challenges on some of the vehicles, the service functions on depleted resources.”
According to the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services (DEMS), the city has a network of stations that support and assist each other in emergencies.
This is in response to the concerns of Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle, who highlighted the deterioration and alleged lack of readiness of the Edenvale Fire Station.
Rundle highlighted additional problems at the station after DEMS admitted in August, following a fire in Hurlyvale, that Edenvale Fire Station had no vehicles available.
The reason provided for this was their vehicles were all out of service.
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In early September, Bedfordview and Edenvale News spoke to Rundle about his concerns regarding the station.
These included its condition, the number of non-functional vehicles and reports that lightning damaged Edenvale Fire Station’s server in 2022.
He said the damage to the server hampered the communication in and out of the fire station, which Rundle emphasised could put the community at risk.
The CoE DEMS district manager media liaison, William Ntladi said the damaged server was repaired.
“The station is administratively fully functional,” said Ntladi.
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Responding to the NEWS enquiry and Rundle’s concerns, Ntladi said Edenvale Fire Station is one of thirty fire stations in the city’s northern region, District Four.
He said in the district, some fire stations work together by backing each other up when emergencies occur.
When a station lacks the necessary resources, the surrounding stations in the district are ready to respond and provide services.
He said resources such as major pumps, rescue pumps and grass unit engines are basic units at each station.
Specialised vehicles such as hydraulic platforms and water tankers are strategically placed based on risk assessment.
“Currently, due to mechanical challenges on some vehicles, the service functions on depleted resources,” said Ntladi
“Vehicles administered by the CoE Fleet Management system are awaiting the approval of new maintenance and repair contracts for CoE vehicles to go in for repairs.
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“Some vehicles are out of service for long periods because of third-party claims after road accident damages,” said Ntladi.
According to him, these matters are beyond the control of the city.
“Ekurhuleni’s fleet management system engages all stakeholders striving towards repairs and payments of damaged vehicles to let them return speedily to full operations,” said Ntladi.
This includes Edenvale fire engines.
Speaking on the cost of fire engine repairs and maintenance, Ntladi said it depends on each vehicle brand and the mechanical faults
“It is also based on the tariff acceptance in awarding maintenance tenders.”
Ntladi also said the equipment used by DEMS is in working condition.
“Unfortunately, fire hoses get damaged because of different terrain and conditions met at incidents.
“Though some hoses are leaking, they are still functional,” said Ntladi.
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He explained most hoses are double-jacket canvas hoses. This allows water to leak through, intending to cool themselves while we pull them over hot or burning surfaces.
“We definitively discard damaged hoses out of service.”
Ntladi said DEMS appealed to motorists to avoid driving over charged hoses laid across roads in emergencies.
He said although the firefighters make an effort not to disturb traffic, in some instances, roads may be closed for the duration of the fire operations and hoses laid across the roads.
“Some motorists do not heed our calls and drive over charged hoses, causing them to burst and leak.”
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Ntladi said as the primary responsibility of DEMS is the preservation of life and property, the lack of such resources has serious implications. Alternative remedial strategies are in place to impute sustained service delivery.
“The CoE DEMS will respond with the nearest alternative units if their available units are down or insufficient,” said Ntladi.
He said when reporting an emergency, it must be done through the centralised Life-Threatening Call Centre (011 458 0911).
They then dispatched fire stations from the centre and provided relevant information to personnel from one of the three dispatching centres throughout the city.
Ntladi said besides being sent to the relevant dispatch centre, dispatch can be conducted through a two-way radio system.
“We advise and encourage the public to call the Life-Threatening Call Centre number for prompt aid,” said Ntladi.
Alternatively, they can use the national toll-free number 10177 or 112 from their cell phone.
